


[_ 



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The Santiago Campaign 





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THE 



Santiago Campaign 

1898 



BY 



Major-General 

Joseph Wheeler 

Commanding Fourth Corps, United States Army 

Late Commander of Cavalry Division 
in Santiago Campaign 




Lamson, Wolffe and Company 

Boston New York London 



MDCCCXCVIII 



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2 






Copyright, 1898, 
By Joseph Wheeler. 

All rights reserved. 



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U and Churchill Press 
Boston, Mass., U.S.A. 



TO 

Zbe Brave ©fficers anfc SolMers 

OF THE 

CAVALRY DIVISION, ARMY OF SANTIAGO, 

I DEDICATE THIS BOOK 



TO THEIR SUPERB COURAGE IN BATTLE, AND THEIR ENDURANCE AND 

FORTITUDE WHEN SUBJECTED TO THE DISCOMFORT, DISEASES, 

AND HARDSHIPS OF THE TROPICAL CLIMATE OF CUBA, 

IS LARGELY DUE THE GLORY ACHIEVED BY 

AMERICAN ARMS IN THE CAMPAIGN 

OF SANTIAGO 

THEIR GOOD CONDUCT IN BIVOUAC, UPON THE MARCH, AND IN 

BATTLE, HAS NEVER BEEN SURPASSED BY ANY SOLDIERS; 

AND I SHALL REMEMBER EACH AND ALL OF THEM 

WITH EVER INCREASING GRATITUDE 

AND ADMIRATION 



TABLE OF CONTENTS 



Below synopsis of each chapter will be found, by way of Index, the 
running heads on right-hand pages. 



PART I. 

THE CAMPAIGN. 



Chapter I. My Appointment — Report for 
Duty to General Wade, Commanding at 
Tampa — General Shatter takes Com- 
mand of the Expedition — Embarking 
for Cuba — Diary en route ... 3 

Arrival at Tampa, 5 ; the embarkation, 7 ; the 
naval column, 9; approaching Cuba, 11. 

Chapter II. Landing at Daiquiri, after 
Naval Bombardment of the Shore — 
Strength of the Cavalry Division — 
Hoisting the Flag on a Spanish Block- 
house — The Battle of Las Guasimas — 
My Official Report — Names of the 
Killed 13 

The Cavalry Division, 15 ; on the march, 17 ; the 
battle, 19 ; wounded officers, 21 ; the Death Roll, 23. 



v jii TABLE OF CONTENTS 

PAGE 

Chapter III! The Battle of Las Guaslmas 
(concluded) — Official Reports of Gen- 
eral Young, and Colonel Wood of the 
" Rough Riders " — A Spanish News- 
paper's Report — Editorial in the N.Y. 
"Times" 24 

Young's Report: — Meeting Castillo, 25 ; the at- 
tack, 27 ; troops engaged, 29; results, 31, Wood's 
Report : — Heavy firing, 33 ; death of Capron, 35 ; 
" Beaten, hut persisted in fighting," 37. 



Chapter IV. The Spanish Forces engaged 

El Caney's Defences — Battle of San 

j uan _ Senior in Command on the Line 

The Question of Falling Back after 

the Hills were gained . 



39 



In general command on shore, 41 ; instructing 
Generals Kent and Sumner, 43; endurance of the 
troops, 45 ; holding the ridge, 47. 



Chapter V. Battle of San Juan (concluded) 
— Remarks of N.Y. "Sun" on General 
Shatter's Expurgated Despatch — My 
Report of this Battle — Tables of Losses, 
Cavalry Division and Kent's Infantry 
Division — Names and Commands of Offi- 
cers Killed and Wounded . . -49 

Pushing forward, 51 ; the enemy's retreat, 53 ; 
strength and casualties, 55 ; officers killed and 
wounded, 57. 

Chapter VI. The Battle of San Juan (con- 
, ;] .r D ED) — Offical Reports of General 
Kent, Colonel Leonard Wood, of the 



TABLE OF CONTENTS IX 

PAGE 

"Rough Riders," and Theodore Roose- 
velt, Lieutenant-Colonel Commanding . 59 

Kent's Report : — Panic-stricken soldiers, 61 ; the 
infantry charge, 63 ; honorable mention, 65 ; the 
casualties, 67, 69. Wood's Report: —The Cavalry 
troops, 71 ; taking the hill, 73 ; Captain O'Neil and 
others, 75- Roosevelt's Report :— On the line, 77; 
individual valor, 79. Total army strength, 81. 



Chapter VII. Concerning the Regulars and 
the Volunteers in Action — " Harpers' 
Weekly" on Due Credit to the Per- 
manent or the Temporary Soldier — 
Conduct of the 71st New York . . 82 

" Rough Riders' " marksmanship, 83 ; the New 
York Volunteers at San Juan, 85. 



Chapter VIII. Admirable Defences of San- 
tiago: THE PUNTA GORDA AND SOCAPA 

Batteries — Plan of Extending our Right 
around the clty — general blanco and 
Admiral Cervera see their Predica- 
ment — The Attempted Flight and the 
Destruction of Cervera's Fleet — Word 
from Dewey 87 

Our center well established, 89 ; armament of 
Cervera's fleet, 91 ; the fleet destroyed, 93 ; Watson's 
despatch, 95 ; the " Herald's" story, 97-105. 



Chapter IX. Messages from General Miles 
and the President — General Toral's 
Proposal for Surrender declined — 
Truce for removing Non-combatants — 



TABLE OF CONTEXTS 



PAGE 



The Story of General Escario's Advance 
— " Tremendous Fighting Qualities " of 
the Spaniard 107 

Action retold in General Orders, 109; a threat 
to shell the town, 111; the truce extended, 113; 
telegram July 3d, about withdrawing, 115. 



Chapter X. My Illness overstated — Did 

NOT LEAVE COMMAND — GENERAL GARCIA'S 

Battle with the Pando Column — A 
Warm Attack on the City — Detailed 
Report of Bombardment — General Miles 
takes Command — The First Overtures 
for Peace 117 

Bombardment from the sea and land, 119 ; eSects 
of the shots, 121 ; the question of Toral's authority, 
123; a tentative proposal, 125. 



Chapter XI. Preliminary Agreement for 
the Capitulation — Spanish Pride and 
Sensitiveness — A Pitiful Appeal to 
Madrid — Terms of the Military Con- 
vention — The Surrender .... 126 

The honorable terms proposed, 127 ; character- 
istics of Toral, 129 ; Noblesse oblige, 131 ; Linares' 
long cablegram, 133 ; the commissioners meet, 135 ; 
the final terms, 137 ; the news sent home, 139. 



Chapter XII. Report of the Commissioners' 

Conversations — A Misunderstanding as 

to tiik Spanish Commissioners' Powers 

-"Capitulation" substituted for 






TABLE OF CONTENTS xi 



PAGE 



"Surrender" — The Honor of the 
American Nation Pledged — Adjourn- 
ment 141 

A question of sentiment, 143 ; diplomatic misun- 
derstanding and delay, 145 ; immediate decision 
urged, 147; willing to return the Spanish arms, 
149 ; Toral's presence wanted: adjournment, 151. 

Chapter XIII. The Conversations (contin- 
ued) — Another Misunderstanding — The 
Red Cross Ship to enter First with 
Provisions — General Toral's Appeal on 
Behalf of Spanish Honor — The Remov- 
ing of Harbor-Mines — Adjournment . 152 

Agreement to be modified, 153 ; way for the Bed 
Cross ship, 155 ; Spanish troops to be transported, 
157 ; the point of honor recommended, 159 ; the 
misunderstanding again, 161 ; not an absolute 
capitulation, 163 ; adjournment, 165. 



Chapter XIV. The Conversations (con- 
cluded) — Spanish Forces to march out 
Under Arms and salute their Colors — 
The Misunderstanding satisfactorily 
settled — Water Supply of Santiago — 
The Final Details 166 

General Toral demurs, 167 ; harbor defences, and 
the refugees, 169 ; arrangements for feeding the 
city, 171 ; Spanish colors to be honored, 173 ; the 
Government at Madrid approves, 175. 

Chapter XV. The News sent Home— Cap- 
itulation Ceremonies — The Entry of 
Santiago — Raising the American Flag 



Xll TABLE OF CONTENTS 

PAGE 

above the palace — im\' vlsit to the 
Wrecks of Cervera's Squadron . . 177 

The Nation's thanks, 179 ; riding into the city, 
181 , the barricades and intrenchments, 183 ; ap- 
pearance of the wrecks, 185 ; examining the forti- 
fications, 187 ; rifles and ammunition turned over, 
189. 



Chapter XVI. Description of the Neigh- 
boring Country — The Towns : Daiquiri, 

SlBONEY, SEVILLA, AND El CANEY — SUF- 
FERINGS of the Refugees — The City 
of Santiago — Captain Fry's Fate 
recalled — spanish abuse of the red 
Cross Flag 190 

A fruitful land ill-used, 191 ; interior views of 
the city, 193 ; barbarous Spain, 195. 

Chapter XVII. Our Generals in the Cam- 
paign — The Spanish Generals and Civil 
Officers -—" Society of the Army of 
Santiago " — Getting the Troops North 
— Placed in Command at Montauk Point, 196 

General Shafter, 197 ; the other Generals, 199 ; 
rich young Americans in the ranks, 201 ; officers 
of the new society, 203 ; the Cavalry Division re- 
embarked, 205. 



Chapter XVIII. Camp Wikoff, Montauk 
Point — Sanitary Care of the Soldiers 
— Gifts from the American People, of 
Money, Goods, and Personal Service — 
A Statement to the Associated Press — 






TABLE OF CONTENTS Xlll 

PAGE 

Visits of the Secretary of War, Pres- 
ident MC KlNLEY, AND SURGEON-GENERAL 

Sternberg 207 

Some of the donations, 209 ; extra supplies and 
trained nurses, 211 ; convalescents attended home, 
213 ; spirit of the soldiers themselves, 215 ; the 
selection of Montauk Point, 217 ; Secretary Alger's 
visit, 219; the Surgeon-General satisfied, 221. 

Chapter XIX. Mustering Out the Regi- 
ments — Farewells 222 

Addenda to Part I.: 

A. — Officers of Cavalry Division 

in the Battle of Las Guasi- 
mas, June 24, 1898 . . .229 

B. — Officers of Cavalry Division 

in the Battle of San Juan, 
July 1, 2, and 3, 1898 . . 231 



XIV TABLE OF CONTENTS 

PART II. 

DESPATCHES ON THE FIELD. 

PAGE 

Chapter I. Advance from the Coast — 
Cubans' Skirmish with the Spaniards — 
In Sight of Santiago — Examining Span- 
ish Prisoners — Directions for the Line 
of Battle from General Shafter, On 
Board S. S. " Seguranca " — Rations for 
Castillo's Troops 239 

The dynamite gun wanted, 241 ; occupying the 
enemy's ground, 243 ; report of two boy refugees, 
245 ; topographical officers detailed, 247 ; precau- 
tion in addressing despatches, 249 ; bringing up 
the commands, 251. 

Chapter II. Reinforcements expected — 
Cuban Regiment reports for Duty — 
Delay for Reinforcements — A Refugee's 
Statement of the Food, Population, and 
Defences of Santiago — Pando coming 
from Manzanillo to Its Aid with 5,000 
Troops 253 

Stores for troops and refugees, 255 ; disease and 
hunger in the city, 257 ; old-fashioned guns : news 
of Hobson, 259; the forces in El Caney, 261. 

Chapter III. Rations, Forage, and Roads 
— The Wire Nippers — A Refugee's Re- 
port of El Caney — Conference of the 
American and Cuban Generals — Num- 
ber and Kind of Troops in Santiago — 

Oi;l»i;i:s CONCERNING OUTPOSTS . . . 262 

Widening trails for pack-trains, 263 ; council 
with Garcia and Castillo, 265 ; duties of outpost 
commander, 267 ; sentinels' duties, 269. 



TABLE OF CONTENTS XV 



PAGE 



Chapter IV. The Status, Morning of July 
First — General Shafter takes Command 
on Shore — Despatches during First 
Day, Battle of San Juan — Interviewing 
Spanish Prisoners — Washington notdjied, 271 

On the crest of the hill, 273 ; traverses and in- 
trenchments, 275 ; the appeals " to withdraw the 
line," 277; ElCaney carried, 279. 

Chapter V. The Status, Morning of July 
Second — Despatches during Second Day, 
Battle of San Juan — Order for List 
of Casualties 280 

Disposition of the troops, 281 ; artillery to hold 
their fire, 283 ; positions of the commands, 285 ; 
locating siege-guns, 287 ; the firing ceased, 289. 

Chapter VI. The Status, Morning of July 
Third — News of the Destruction of 
Cervera's Fleet — Letter from General 
Toral — Consuls negotiating for Remo- 
val of Civilians during Proposed Bom- 
bardment — A 4th of July Celebration . 290 

" Rush this around our lines," 291 ; truce for the 
consuls' visit, 293 ; names of the consuls, 295. 

Chapter VII. Garcia allows Pando with 

Reinforcements to slip past Him 

General Miles coming — A Prisoner's 
Information about Fort Aguadores — 
Wounded Spanish Officers — Exchange 
of hobson and hls men — returns of 
the Killed and Wounded .... 297 

Stragglers to the rear, 299 ; flag of truce, with 
letters, 301 ; a Spanish informer, 303 ; thanks from 
Toral: Hobson, 305. 



Xvi TABLE OF CONTENTS 



PAGE 



Chapter VIII. Reinforcements reported 
from Key West, New York, and Charles- 
ton — A Siege preferred to Another 
Assault — Exchange of Hobson effected 
— No Fighting on the 7th and 8th — 
Line swung forward and strengthened . 307 

Transports sail with wounded, 309 ; prisoners for 
exchange, 311 ; stationery and sand-bags, 313 ; the 
general health, 315 ; thanks of the Nation," 317- 



Chapter IX. General Toral's Definition 
of " Arms " — The Truce continues, 
pending Response from Washington — 
Unconditional Surrender demanded and 
declined — The Lines extended, and 
Navy opens fire — Order to stop all 
Forward Movements on Advance Lines . 318 

Spanish proposal to march out, 319 ; Porto Rico 
for our troops'? 321; new major-generals and 
brigadiers, 323 ; "Spanish reveille as usual," 325 ; 
navy shots well placed, 327. 



Chapter X. " Rough Riders " for the Pack- 
Trains — The Archbishop, Priests, and 
Nuns of Santiago — The Truce extended 
till Noon, July 14th — Memorandum of 
Conference between Generals Shafter 
and Toral — General Miles authorizes 
Appointment of Commissioners — The Ques- 
tion OF SUBMITTING TERMS TO MADRID . . 329 

White flag messages both ways, 331 ; Toral stops 
the work on trenches, 333 ; prospects of capitula- 
tion, 335 ; American commissioners instructed, 337 ; 
"the best possible" terms obtained, 339. 



XVII 



TABLE OF CONTENTS 

PAGE 

CHAPTER XL AH**-*-* *™ C ^ A _I 

TIoX ___ Precautions against Fever 

HvtV TO PASS THE LINES — 

Refugees Onl\ to *-a»d 

ARRANGEMENTS FOR FORMAL ACT OF SUR 

ABiinu"!" r .„„ r> Water and 

kendep. - Finding Good w ateb 

LOCATING CAMPS - AMENITIES BETWEEN 

Spanish and Amebian Headqoakteks . 340 

expressed, 353. 

PHAPTER XII. RECOMMENDATIONS FOR GOOD 

^CONDUCT- FURTHER 

HEALTH OF TROOPS - REPORT OP- 
TION Cavalry Division - A Letter n 

ENGLISH FROM GENERAL ESCARIO - PRE- 
^RING TO RE-EMBARK - FlNAL ORDERS . 355 

•« Where is Garcia' » 357 ; inspection detail., 3M > ; 
mspector-General regardtag repm«i 36 1 P 
mo te the senior captains," 363 urging 1W 
? or to Rico, 365 ; forestalling infection of ships, 367 , 
care of the sick aboard, 369. 



PART I -THE CAMPAIGN 






Note. — The exact wording of official Reports has 
been followed here; and also the spelling of proper 
names in the Reports, even where it differs from the 
spelling in Addendas A and B to Part L, which aims 
to be correct. Throughout the book, I hare pre- 
ferred "Daiquiri" as the common local spelling ; 
though "Baiquiri" has good usage. 



THE SANTIAGO CAMPAIGN 



CHAPTER I 

MY APPOINTMENT REPORT FOR DUTY TO GENERAL 

WADE, COMMANDING AT TAMPA GENERAL SHAFTER 

TAKES COMMAND OF THE EXPEDITION EMBARKING 

FOR CUBA DIARY EN ROUTE 

THE initial campaign of the Spanish War is 
over. The surrender of the eastern prov- 
ince of Santiago, together with all their forts 
and twenty-three thousand Spanish soldiers, is 
completed, and the flag of our country floats 
over the palace of an historic city three hun- 
dred and eighty-two years old. The Spanish 
army, which had fought gallantly in the defence 
of Santiago, is now disarmed and encamped in the 
fields to the east of the city which they had so 
bravely defended, awaiting the arrival of ships to 
take them to Spain. 

I will begin by stating that on the night of 
April 26th President McKinley wrote me that 
he would like to see me at half-past eight that 
evening. I was prompt in complying, and was 



1 



THE SANTIAGO CAMPAIGN 



ushered into a room where I found the President 
the Attorney-General, the Secretary of War' 
Major Webb Hayes, of Ohio, and Major Hast- 
ings and ex-Congressman Thompson, of the 
same State. After some pleasant interchanges 
the President said, " General, I have sent for 
you to ask if you want to go, and if you feel able 
to go." I replied that, while I was sixty-one 
years old, I felt as strong and capable as when I 
was forty, or even much younger, and that I de- 
sired very much to have another opportunity to 
serve my country. He said, "I have got to 
appoint fifteen major-generals; and it would have 
given you great pleasure to have heard the 
pleasant things said about you while we were 
discussing the matter yesterday." After a little 
more conversation he took me into a separate 
room, where we had a little private talk. 

On the evening of May 2d, I received a notice 
from the War Department that my appointment 
had been made out. The Senate did not meet 
on the 3d, but on the 4th it was received by that 
body and at once confirmed. Late in the even- 
ing of May 9th I received the following order: 

War Department, Adjutant-General's Office, 

Washington, D.C., May 9, 1898, 6.18 p.m. 
Major-General Joseph Wheeler, 
Washington ; 
Under instructions from the Secretary of War, the 
Major-General Commanding Army directs, as neces- 
sary for public service, that you proceed to Camp George 



ARRIVAL AT TAMPA 5 

H. Thomas, Chickamauga, Ga., and report in person 
to Major-General John R. Brooke for assignment to 
duty. Prompt action imperative. 

H. C. Corbin, 

Adjutant- General. 

I immediately packed my trunk and left on 
the first through train, reporting to General 
Brooke early on the morning of May 11th. I 
was very much pleased with General Brooke; 
he is a large, handsome man, and impressed me 
very favorably. The next day at 2 o'clock I re- 
ceived the following telegram: 

War Department, Adjutant-General's Office, 

Washington, D.C., May 12, 1898, 1.38 p.m. 

Major-General Joseph W t heeler, 

Chickamauga Battlefield, Ga., care of 
General Brooke : 
With approval of Secretary of War, Major-General 
Commanding directs you report at Tampa, Fla., to 
command the cavalry in the expedition now leaving. 
General Miles leaves here to-night. You should meet 
him at Tampa soon as possible after his arrival. 

H. C. Corbin, 

Adjutant- General. 

I hastened to the depot in time to take the 2.07 
train; and reached Tampa the next day, and tel- 
egraphed to Washington of my arrival there. I 
reported to General Wade; who informed me 
that he had not received any instructions about 
my duties, and would have to wait until they 



6 THE SANTIAGO CAMPAIGN 

arrived. General Wade is a thorough soldier: 
he is the son of the distinguished Senator and 
Acting "Vice-President Benjamin F. Wade, of 
Ohio. He has spent his life in the army, and 
has an excellent military reputation. Some two 
or three days later, General Wade was ordered 
upon other duties, and General Shafter was 
placed in command. I confess that when I met 
this officer I was struck with his bearing, and 
what I interpreted as his force of character. 
His head and face are not unlike those of Presi- 
dent Cleveland; and I readily saw that he pos- 
sessed administrative ability, and that he was 
fitted for an important command. When orders 
from Washington were received assigning me to 
the command of the Cavalry Division, I imme- 
diately pitched my tent with the command, and 
devoted myself to inspection and other means 
of becoming familiar with the officers and men. 
In less than three days I had looked squarely in 
the face of every man in the command. I at- 
tended the drills, and soon saw that the com- 
mand was one of which I could be justly proud. 
About 9 o'clock of the night of June 7th, an 
officer of General Shaffer's staff came to me 
and stated that orders from Washington made it 
imperative that the command should embark at 
daylight the next morning, and that a train of 
cars to take the division to Port Tampa — a 
distance of nine miles — would be ready for us 
at 11 o'clock that night. Immediately all was 



THE EMBARKATION 7 

bustle. Camps were struck, everything hauled 
alongside of the railroad; the cars finally came, 
and shortly after they arrived we reached Port 
Tampa. We embarked with all speed. But a 
second telegram from Washington directed a 
delay until the following Monday. We under- 
stood that the sudden order which caused us to 
leave that night was occasioned by a telegram 
from Admiral Sampson stating that if ten thou- 
sand men were promptly sent to Santiago he 
could capture Cervera's fleet and the garrison in 
the city. That message, as since verified, reads : 

Mole, Hayti, June 7, 1898. 
Secretary of Navy, Washington: 

Bombarded forts at Santiago 7.30 a.m. to 10 a.m. 
to-day, June 6th. Have silenced works quickly, with- 
out injury of any kind, though stationary within 2,000 
yards. If 10,000 men were here, city and fleet would 
be ours within forty-eight hours. Every consideration 
demands immediate army movement. If delayed, city 
will be defended more strongly by guns taken from 

fleet. 

Sampson. 

I cannot do better than to insert here a brief 
diary of the details of our trip, from the night 
we left Tampa, June 7th, until we came within 
sight of our landing-place, near Santiago, on 
June 20th. It is as follows : 

At 9 o'clock Tuesday, June 7th, despatches 
from Admiral Sampson indicated immediate ne- 
cessity for troops. We promptly broke camp; 



8 THE SANTIAGO CAMPAIGN 

and, by daylight, had traveled nine miles and 
reached the transports at Port Tampa. My 
cavalry troops embarked upon the steamships 
Alleghany, Rio Grande, Miami, and Yucatan, 
with orders to sail immediately. "When all on 
board, telegrams were received to delay, and we 
remained in port until the morning of Tuesday, 
June 14th. After many delays, we succeeded 
in pushing down Tampa Bay. The channel is 
a difficult one, — our ships drawing 18 feet, and 
the channel at the deepest place, which is nar- 
row, being only 23 feet. There were nearly fifty 
transports, and there were only four pilots, which 
accounted for some of the delay. 

Wednesday, June 15. — The sky in the even- 
ing is perfectly beautiful, the stars very bright, 
and appear much more numerous than in more 
northern latitudes. At dusk we see Tortugas 
Light, and pass, leaving it to our right. 

Thursday, June 16. — At daylight we find 
ourselves under the escort of a number of Avar- 
ships. The entire fleet, including the naval 
vessels, numbers some fifty-five ships. AVe sail 
in three columns, the columns being about one 
thousand yards apart. My ship, the Alleghany, 
leads the right column, the one nearest to Cuba. 
The war-ship Indiana sails some thousand or 
more yards to our front and right. The other 
naval ships are approximately as laid down in 
the official table showing the order of sailing of 
the cruisers and transports, as follows: 



THE NAVAL COLUMN 
Order of Cruising. 

International Signal, T.C.F. 

Vesuvius. O 1600 yds. © Scorpion. 
1600 yds. 1600 yds. 

Annapolis. Castine. Helena. Indiana. 

© 800 yds. O 800 yds. O 1600 yds. © 



400 yds. 400 yds 



m O 1 O 9 17 Alleghany. 

o 

I <> 2 <> 10 O 18 1st Div. 

^ 1600 yds. O 3 <> 11 O 19 1600 yds. 

| O 4 12 O 20 

' Panther. Yosemite. 

©1600 yds. O 5 O 25 O 30 Q 



800 yds. 800 yds. 

Bancroft. Detroit. 

© O 800 yds. O 800 yds. O O 

400 yds. 400 yds. 



O 2^ O 28 O 22 

O 7 <>15 O 23 2dDiv - 

O 8 O 16 O 24 1600 yds. 

o 27 <0 29 o 

Wompatock. Eagle. 

© 1600 yds. O 6 O 1 " 4 O 21 O 



1600 yds. 
Wasp. O 



10 THE SANTIAGO CAMPAIGN 

During all of Thursday we sailed in an east- 
erly direction bearing south, keeping nearly 
parallel to the coast of Cuba. Of course it is 
very warm, but not so intolerable as one would 
imagine. We occasionally see a strange sail, 
which generally turns out to be a despatch boat 
or a freight vessel. I think we have seen but 
one of the latter kind; the danger of capture is 
too great for merchantmen to take the risk. 

Friday, June 17. — Soon after daylight the 
fleet turned southward, and by 8 o'clock we 
were running parallel to and in sight of the 
shore of Cuba, about opposite the western end 
of Puerto Principe. "We are compelled to regu- 
late our speed by that of the slowest vessel, and 
hardly make more than nine or ten knots an 
hour. At 10 o'clock we are passing the Cuban 
light-house at Paradone Principe. We can 
plainly see the barracks that are occupied by 
Spanish soldiers, and some contend they can see 
the men standing in front of the buildings. At 
2 p.m. we are passing Lopos Light-house, leav- 
ing it to our left, or north of us. This light- 
house is on one of the most southern of the 
Bahama Islands. It is English, of course. It 
is only about fourteen miles from Cuba. A 
ship sailing midway of the channel is in sight 
of both the English and Cuban shores. I can 
now see high ground in Cuba, and the Lopos 
Light-house on Bahama Islands cannot be more 
than about four miles distant. 



APPROACHING CUBA 11 

Five P. M. — See very high ground in Cuba. 
The sea has been very blue, quite as blue as blue 
indigo. At night the signalling of the war-ships 
is very interesting. Bright and varied colors are 
displayed, by which communications are held. 

Saturday, June 18. — Remained at a stand- 
still several hours this morning, for slow ships 
to catch up. At 2 p.m. we are passing Cape 
Lucretia, about the middle (measured east and 
west) of the province of Santiago de Cuba, and 
almost north of the city of Santiago de Cuba. 
We see high hills on the Cuban coast, estimated 
at from twelve hundred to fifteen hundred feet 
high. Towards night we take direct course to 
the English island called Inagua Island. It is 
just north of what is called Windward Channel. 
This is the channel between Cuba and Haiti or 
St. Domingo. 

Sunday, June 19. — At about nine o'clock, 
approaching Matthew Town on Inagua Island. 
We can plainly see the light-house. When 
within about fifteen miles of the island, we turn 
sharply south towards the Windward Channel. 
The sea is getting quite rough. At 3 p.m. the 
sea has become more calm, and we are in sight 
of Cape Maisa. The shore seems to be lined 
with high hills or mountains, say from one thou- 
sand to fifteen hundred feet. We see clouds of 
smoke; very possibly Spaniards preparing to 
retreat to Santiago. We are now about one 
hundred and twenty miles from that place. Sun- 



12 THE SANTIAGO CAMPAIGN 

day night, 9 r.M., we have rounded the eastern 
end of the Island of Cuba, and are now sailing- 
west to Santiago. 

Monday, June 20. — At daylight, we are 
about thirty miles east of Santiago. We see 
high mountains on the shore, probably two 
thousand feet high. 

Will close this before reaching landing-place, 
as we must pack up for disembarkation. 



CHAPTER II 

LANDING AT DAIQUIRI, AFTER NAVAL BOMBARDMENT 
OF THE SHORE — STRENGTH OF THE CAVALRY 
DIVISION— HOISTING THE FLAG ON A SPANISH BLOCK- 
HOUSE _ THE BATTLE OF LAS GUASIMAS — MY 
OFFICIAL REPORT NAMES OF THE KILLED 

WITH the aid of our glasses we could see 
the town of Daiquiri, the place selected 
for our landing. The place has ho harbor, but 
as it was a shipping-point for iron-ore, General 
Shatter and the naval officers concluded we could 
safely land the army by the use of the small- 
boats belonging to the fleet and the transports. 
There is a strongly built iron pier extending out 
some distance from the shore, but we readily 
saw this could not be used by us. It extended 
very high above the water, it being constructed 
for the purpose of dumping iron-ore from the 
cars into lighters. It was, therefore, evident 
that we would be obliged to land on the beach, 
or else at the end of a small dock that extended 
some twenty yards from the shore. 

On the 21st, General Shafter and his staff 
had a meeting with General Castillo; and on the 



14 THE SANTIAGO CAMPAIGN 

22d, all the generals were directed to visit Gen- 
eral Shatter. Here we were informed that a 
landing would be effected the next day. Shortly 
after daylight the navy commenced a heavy 
bombardment on to the shore, which lasted 
about an hour; after which the disembarkation 
commenced. I should have mentioned that, in 
order to take this trip, it was necessary for us to 
leave our horses behind, as Ave had no way of 
transporting them to Cuba. This made it neces- 
sary to leave a squadron of every regiment to 
take care of the horses, so that my entire division 
which entered into the expedition was as tabu- 
lated on the opposite page. 

The disembarkation was attended with serious 
difficulties. The high surf dashed several of the 
strong naval boats to pieces. The mules, artil- 
lery, and private horses of officers were pushed 
overboard, several being drowned in attempting 
to swim to the shore. 

General Lawton's Division was given the 
honor to be the first to disembark; but on pur- 
pose to prepare for my troops I went ashore 
personally, and directed Colonel Wood, of my 
command, to scud a man to the top of an 
eminence, upon which a Spanish block-house 
and flag-staff had been erected, and to hoist 
lil- regimental Hag upon the flag-staff. This 
was promptly done; and it was responded 
to by shrill whistles from the entire fleet. 1 
rode forward some three and a half miles to 



THE CAVALRY DIVISION 



15 



Strength of the Cavalry Division that sailed from Tampa 
for Cuba, June 14, 1898. 



Organizations. 


Officers. 


Men. 


Major-General Wheeler and Staff . 

First Brigade (Sumner's) : 
Brigadier-General and Staff. 

6th Regular Cavalry 

Second Brigade (Young's) : 
Brigadier-General and Staff 

1st Regular Cavalry 

10th Regular Cavalry .... 
1st U.S. Volunteer Cavalry 


12 

3 
22 
1(3 
21 

6 
25 
21 
32 


420 

437 
410 

540 
465 
550 


Totals 


158 


2,822 



16 THE SANTIAGO CAMPAIGN 

examine the country, and when I returned it 
was late at night. The next morning General 
Shafter sent for me, and directed that I go to 
Juragna to throw forward pickets to Juragua- 
cito, more commonly called Siboney. I rode 
rapidly to this place, followed by two squadrons 
of Colonel Wood's Regiment and one squad- 
ron each of the 1st and 3d Regulars, and three 
Hotchkiss guns. When I reached Juraguacito, 
or Siboney, I found that the enemy had taken 
their men out of the block-house in that vicin- 
ity the midnight preceding, and at daylight had 
started in the direction of Sevilla, followed by 
some two hundred Cubans. I rode rapidly to 
the front, and found that the enemy had halted 
in a strong position three miles from Siboney; 
the Cubans having engaged their rear, in which 
action nine of them were wounded. I saw one 
dead Spaniard, but do not know what other cas- 
ualties they suffered. Hoping that my troops 
would be up that night, I hastened back to Sib- 
oney; and at 8 o'clock the troops of my com- 
mand above mentioned had arrived. With the 
aid of General Castillo I learned the features of 
the country; and determined to attack as early 
as possible next morning, General Castillo prom- 
ising that he would go with me and assist. 

In order to inarch with more rapidity, it was 
arranged with Colonel Wood to march with his 
regiment, five hundred strong, by a left-hand 
or westerly road; while the Hotchkiss guns 



ON THE MARCH 17 

and the squadrons of the 1st and 10th Cavalry, 
and the dynamite gun, which we momentarily 
expected, were to inarch on what is called the 
main Santiago road. General Castillo was also 
to march with us on this road with two hundred 
Cubans. At a designated point Colonel Wood 
was to file to the right, forming line on the right 
of the road which he was to travel; which would 
cause his right flank to connect with the left 
flank of the regular cavalry, which was to march 
on the other road; the distance between the 
two roads at the point of formation being about 
seven hundred or eight hundred yards. Unfortu- 
nately, neither General Castillo nor the dynamite 
gun reached us at all, and we were compelled to 
make the fight without them. 1 We were up 
before daylight, and by sun-up both columns 
were on the march; but I cannot do better in 
describing what occurred than to incorporate 
here my official report of this affair, which I take 

1 1 was very much disappointed at the failure of my dynamite gun 
to reach me, as my plans of the engagement contemplated its aid ; but 
I desire specially to exonerate Sergt. Hallet A. Borrowe from any neg- 
lect in this matter. The day previous, before leaving Daiquiri, I suc- 
cessfully devoted myself to procuring horses for this gun, and tben, 
with the aid of Sergeant Borrowe and Major Jacobs, harnesses of 
various kinds were procured, which by the industry and ingenuity of 
Sergeant Borrowe were adjusted to haul the gun. Sergeant Borrowe 
then started with commendable promptitude on his march of eleven 
miles to Siboney ; but before reaching that place he was stopped at 
dark on the 23d by an infantry commander, and was compelled to go 
into camp, and was not permitted to pass the infantry lines until the 
next morning, after the sounds of the battle reached that point. I 
desire to say here that Sergeant Borrowe's management of this gun, 
and conduct in all respects, were worthy of high commendation. 



18 THE SANTIAGO CAMPAIGN 

verbatim from the "Army and Navy Journal" 
of July 23d, its publication having- been author- 
ized or directed by General Shafter. 



The report is as follows: 

Camp, Six Miles East of Santiago de Cuba, 

June 26, 1898. 
Adjutant-General 5th Army Corps, 
S.S. Seguranya : 

Sir : I have the honor to report that, in obedience 
to instructions from the Major-General commanding, 
given to me in person on June 23d, I proceeded to Sib- 
oney (Juraguacito). The enemy had evacuated the 
place at daylight that morning, taking a course 
toward Sevilla. A body of about 100 Cubans had fol- 
lowed, and engaged the enemy's rear-guard. About 
9 of them were wounded. 

I rode out to the front, and found the enemy had 
halted and established themselves at a point about three 
miles from Siboney. At night the Cubans returned to 
the vicinity of the town. 

At 8 o'clock on that evening (the 23d) General 
Young reached Siboney with eight troops of Colonel 
Wood's Regiment, A, B, D, E^ F, G, K, and L, — 
five hundred strong ; Troops A, B, G, and K, of the 
1st Cavalry, — in all, two hundred and forty-four; and 
Troops A, B, E, and I, of the 10th Cavalry, — in all, 
two hundred and twenty men: making the total force 
nine hundred and sixty-four men, which included nearly 
all of my command which had disembarked. These 
troops had marched from Daiquiri, eleven miles. 
With the assistance of General Castillo, a rough map 



THE BATTLE 19 

of the country was prepared and the position of the 
enemy fully explained, and I determined to make an 
attack. 

At daylight on the 24th, Wood's Regiment was sent 
by General Young, accompanied by two of his staff 
officers, Lieuts. Tyree R. Rivers and W. R. Smed- 
berg, jr., to approach the enemy on the left-hand, or 
more westerly, road, while General Young, myself, 
and the troops of the 1st and 10th Cavalry, with three 
Hotchkiss mountain guns, approached the enemy on 
the regular Sevilla road. We expected also to take 
the dynamite gun with us, but unfortunately it did 
not reach Siboney. 

General Young and myself examined the position 
of the enemy ; the lines were deployed, and I directed 
him to open fire with the Hotchkiss guns. The enemy 
replied, and the firing immediately became general. 
Colonel Wood had deployed his regiment, his right 
nearly reaching the left of the Regulars. For an hour 
the fight was very warm, the enemy being very lavish 
in the expenditure of ammunition, most of their firing 
being by volleys. 

Finally the enemy gave way and retreated rapidly, 
our line keeping well closed upon them. Our men 
being physically exhausted by both their exertions 
and ^lie great heat, were incapable of maintaining the 
pursuit. 

I cannot speak too highly of the gallant and excel- 
lent conduct of the officers and men throughout the 
command. General Young deserves special commen- 
dation for his cool, deliberate, and skilful manage- 
ment. 

I also specially noticed his Acting Adjutant-General, 
Lieut. A. L. Mills, who, under General Young's direc- 



20 THE SANTIAGO CAMPAIGN 

tion, was at various parts of the line, acting with energy 
and cool courage. 

The imperative necessity of disembarking with 
promptitude had impelled me to leave most of my staff 
to hasten this important matter, and, unfortunately, I 
had with me only Major Beach and Mr. Mestre, a 
Cuban Volunteer Aid, — both of whom, during the en- 
gagement, most creditably and bravely performed their 
duties. I am especially indebted to Maj. W. D. Beach 
for his cool and good judgment. 

Colonel Wood's Regiment was on the extreme left 
of the line, and too far distant for me to be a personal 
witness of the individual conduct of his officers and 
men ; but the magnificent and brave work done by the 
regiment, under the lead of Colonel Wood, testifies to 
his courage and skill. The energy and determination 
of this officer had been marked from the moment he 
reported to me at Tampa, Fla. ; and I have abundant 
evidence of his brave and good conduct on the field, 
and I recommend him for consideration of the Gov- 
ernment. 

I must rely upon his report to do justice to his officers 
and men, but I desire personally to add that all that I 
have said regarding Colonel Wood applies equally to 
Lieutenant-Colonel Roosevelt. 

I was immediately with the troops of the 1st and 
10th Regular Cavalry, dismounted, and personally 
noticed their brave and good conduct, which will be 
especially mentioned by General Young. 

T personally noticed the good conduct of Capt. 
W. II. Beck, Robert P. P. Wainwright, and Jacob (J. 
Galbraith, Maj. James M. Bell, Capt, Thomas T. Knox, 
and Lieut. George L. By ram. The last three were 
wounded. 



WOUNDED OFFICERS 21 

Major Bell, as he lay on the ground with a broken 
leg, said, " I only regret I can't go on with you 
farther." 

Captain Knox, though severely wounded, continued 
as long as possible to exercise command, and insisted 
to me that he was not much hurt ; and Lieutenant 
Byram also made light of his wound to me, and con- 
tinued upon the line until he feinted. I recommend 
these officers for favorable consideration of the Govern- 
ment. 1 

I cannot state positively as to the size of the Spanish 
force which we engaged, or the extent of their casual- 
ties, further than that the force was much greater than 
ours, and that the information I had would indicate 
that their killed and wounded very far exceeded the 

1 At the Front, on the Rio Guamo, Second Crossing, June 28, -t p.m., 
by Despatch Boat Dauntless to Port Antonio, June 29. — Prepa- 
rations for a general advance of the American troops on Santiago are 
being pushed steadily forward, and troops of all brandies of the service 
are being hurried to the front. General Kent's Division, consisting 
of the brigades of General Hawkins, Colonel Pearson, and Colonel 
Worth, has joined General Lawton's Division, and, with the Cavalry 
Division of General Wheeler and four batteries of light artillery, will 
now be strung out in the rear of General Lawton's Division. 

The military telegraph line has been completed as far as General 
Wheeler's headquarters, thus placing the front in direct communication 
with General Shafter, who still maintains his headquarters on board 
the Seguran<*a, where he can keep in close touch with Rear-Admiral 
Sampson. It is probable, however, that he will establish his headquar- 
ters at Juragua to-morrow or Thursday. 

It is reported here to-night, on apparently good authority, that the 
water supply of Santiago de Cuba has been cut off. 

General Wheeler to-day forwarded his official report of the encounter 
between the Spaniards and Colonel Young's and Colonel Wood's com- 
mands. The officers are highly complimented for their dash and cour- 
age. The general says there is absolutely no warrant for the statement 
that our troops were ambuscaded. He says the attack was deliberately 
planned from knowledge in his possession the night before. — The 
New York " Press," Thursday, June 30, 1S9S. 



22 



THE SANTIAGO CAMPAIGN 



losses which our troops sustained ; but our estimates 
on these points can be verified only when we have 
access to the reports of the Spanish commanders 

The engagement inspirited our troops and must have 
had a bad effect upon the spirits of the Spanish soldiers 
It also gave our army a beautiful and well-watered 
country, in which we have established our encamp- 
ments. It has also given us a full view of Santiago 
and the surrounding country, and enabled us to recon- 
noiter close up to the fortifications of that place. 

The strength of my command, and the casualties in 
the engagement, were as follows : 



Organizations. 


Strength. 


Killed. 


Wounded. 


1st U.S. Volunteer Cavalry . . 
1st Regular Cavalry .... 
10th Regular Cavalry .... 


500 
244 
220 


8 

7 

1 


34 

8 
10 




9G4 


1G 


52 



Very respectfully, 

Jos. Wheeler, 

Maj.-Gen. U.S. Vols., Commanding. 



THE DEATH KOLL 



23 



List of the Killed in the Engagement at Las Guasimas, 
June 24, 1898. 



Names. 


Troop. 


Organizations. 


Private Jesse K. Stark 


A 


1st Regular Cavalry. 


Private Otto Krupp . . 


B 


a u 


Corp. Alexander Slemere 


K 


" u 


Private Emel Bjork . . 


K 


a a 


Private Gustave Kolbe . 


K 


u it 


Private Peter H. Dix . . 


K 


u a 


Private Jack Berlin 


K 


u a 


Corp. Wm. L. White . . . 


E 


10th Regular Cavalry. 


Capt. Allyn K. Capron 




1st U.S. Vol. Cavalry. 


Private Edward Leggett . 


A 


a u 


Corp. Geo. H. Dougherty . 


A 


a a 


Private Wm. T. Irvine . . 


F 


« (i 


Sergt. Marvin Russell 


G 


a (( 


Private Harry Heffner . 


G 


U it 


Sergt. Hamilton Fish, jr. . 


L 


u it 


Private Tildon Dawson . 


L 


u u 



CHAPTEE III 

THE BATTLE OF LAS GUASIMAS (CONCLUDED) OFFICIAL 

REPORTS OF GENERAL YOUNG, AND COLONEL WOOD 

OF THE " ROUGH RIDERS " A SPANISH NEWSPAPER'S 

REPORT EDITORIAL IN THE N.Y. " TIMES " 

THE official report of Brigadier-General 
S. B. M. Young, of the same battle, is as 
follows : 

Headquarters 2d Cavalry Brigade, U.S.A. 
Camp near Santiago de Cuba, June 29, 1898. 

Adjutant-General Cavalry Division: 

Sir: By direction of the major-general command- 
ing the Cavalry Division, I have the honor to submit 
the following report of the engagement of a part of 
this brigade with the enemy at Guasimas, Cuba, on the 
24th inst., accompanied by detailed reports from the 
regimental and other commanders engaged, and a list 
of the killed and wounded. 

After debarking at Daiquiri on the afternoon of the 
23d inst., I received verbal orders from Major-General 
Wheeler, the division commander, to move out with 
three days' rations in haversacks to a good camping- 
place between Juraguacito and Siboney, on the road 
leading to Santiago de Cuba. 



MEETING CASTILLO (YOUNG'S REPORT) 25 

In obedience thereto, at 4.30 p.m. I moved from my 
bivouac near the landing, with brigade headquarters, 
the 1st Volunteer Cavalry (Wood's), one squadron of 
the 1st U.S. Cavalry (Bell's), one squadron of the 
10th U.S. Cavalry (Norvell's), and the Hotchkiss 
Mountain Gun Battery (4 guns — Capt. Watson, 10th 
Cavalry, temporarily commanding), all dismounted. 
The remainder of the brigade was ordered to follow 
early the following morning on receiving its rations. 

I arrived at Siboney with the head of the column 
at about 7 p.m., where I bivouacked for the nig-ht with 
the 1st Volunteer Cavalry ; the two squadrons of the 
1st and 10th U.S. Cavalry and the battery being 
delayed by the crowded condition of the trail and 
the difficulty of following through the jungle after 
night. 

I reported to General Wheeler, and from him 
learned of an engagement between Cubans and Span- 
iards in that vicinity during the day, resulting in the 
repulse of the former with some loss. Later I met 
General Castillo, the commander of the Cuban forces, 
who gave me a full description of the topography of 
the country, and much information regarding the 
Spanish troops, their manner of lighting, and so forth. 
General Castillo expressed the belief that the Span- 
iards, though successfully resisting his attack, would 
fall back to Santiago during the night ; but he also 
stated that he had received information that they were 
being reinforced. 

Deeming it essential that positive information should 
be obtained as to the position and movements of the 
enemy in our front, I asked and obtained authority 
to make a reconnaissance in force for this purpose, 



2\) THE SANTIAGO CAMPAIGN 

General Castillo having promised to assist and co-op- 
crate with me with a force of 800 effective Cubans. 

Leading from Siboney there are two roads, or, more 
properly, trails, one to the eastward, the other to the 
westward of the little town, which unite about one 
mile before reaching Sevilla and a little in advance of 
the scene of the Cuban-Spanish engagement. The 
trails are at no point more than one and one-half miles 
apart. I concluded to move by the two trails, General 
Castillo having informed me his outposts covered both. 
I consequently directed Colonel Wood to move with 
his regiment by the western route, cautioning him to 
keep a careful lookout, and to attack any Spaniards he 
might encounter ; connecting in the latter event, by his 
right flank, with the other column, while trying to gain 
the enemy's right flank. Col. Wood marched about 
six a.m., the 24th inst., and I sent my personal aids, 
1st Lt. F. K. Rivers, 3d Cav., and 2d Lt, W. R. Srned- 
berg, 4th Cav., to accompany his column. The other, 
the right column, marched at 5.45 a. m. I moved with 
it, accompanied by Capt. A. L. Mills, Ass't Adj't-Gen- 
eral. I proposed to attack the enemy in front, and 
on his left if I found him in position. 

At 7.30 a.m., the right column being massed in an 
open glade, Captain Mills with a patrol of two men ad- 
vanced and discovered the enemy located, as described 
by General Castillo, in a locality called Guasimas, from 
trees of that name in the vicinity. 

After having carefully examined the enemy's posi- 
tion, I prepared to develop his strength. Canteens 
were ordered tilled; the Hotchkiss Battery was placed 
in position in concealment at about 900 yards, and 
Bell's Squadron was deployed, and Norvell's in support. 



THE ATTACK (YOUNG'S REPORT) 27 

On discovering the enemy, I had sent a Cuban guide to 
warn Colonel Wood ; and knowing that his column had 
a more difficult route, and would require a longer time 
to reach the position, I delayed the attack some time 
in order that the development on both flanks should 
begin simultaneously. During this delay General 
Wheeler arrived, and was informed of my dispositions, 
plan of attack, and intentions. After examination of 
the position by him, and his approval of my action, I 
ordered the attack ; and it was executed in a manner 
winning the admiration of the Division Commander, 
and all present who witnessed it. The Spanish forces 
occupied a range of high hills in the form of obtuse 
angles, with the salient towards Siboney, and with an 
advance party on the trail on which I had been moving. 
The attack of both wings was simultaneous ; and the 
junction of the two lines occurred near the apex of the 
angle on the ridge, which had been fortified with stone 
breastworks flanked by block-houses. The Spanish 
were driven from their position and fled precipitately 
toward Santiago. The attacking force numbered 950 
men ; while that of the enemy, at first estimated at 2,000, 
has since been learned from Spanish sources to have 
been 2,500. The Cuban military authorities claim the 
Spanish strength was 4,000. It has also been reported 
that Lieutenant-General Linares, commanding the 
Spanish forces in Eastern Cuba, and two other general 
officers were present, and witnessed the action. The 
fire of the enemy was almost entirely by volleys, exe- 
cuted with the precision of parade. For an account 
of the operations of the left column, attention is invited 
to the enclosed report of Col. Wood, marked "A." 
The ground over which the right column advanced was 



28 THE SANTIAGO CAMPAIGN 

a mass of jungle growth, with wire fences not to be 
seen until encountered, and precipitous heights as the 
ridge was approached. It was impossible for the 
troops to keep touch along the front, and they could 
only judge the enemy from the sound and direction of 
his tire. However, had it not been for this dense 1 
jungle, the attack would not have been made against 
an overwhelming force in such a position. Headway 
was so difficult that advance and support became 
merged, and moved forward under a continuous volley- 
tiring supplemented by that of two rapid-tiring guns. 
Return tiring, by my force, was only made as here and 
there a small clear spot gave a sight of the enemy. 
The fire discipline of these particular troops was almost 
perfect. The ammunition expended by the two squad- 
rons, engaged in an incessant advance for one hour and 
fifteen minutes, averaged less than ten rounds per man. 
The tine quality of these troops is also shown by the fact 
that there was not a single straggler ; and in not one 
instance was an attempt made by any soldier to fall out 
in the advance, to assist the wounded or carry back the 
dead. The fighting on the left flank was equally cred- 
itable ; and was remarkable, and I believe unprece- 
dented, in volunteer troops so quickly raised, armed, 
and equipped. 

Our total losses were 1 officer and 15 men killed ; 
6 officers and 4(5 men wounded. Forty-two dead 
Spanish soldiers were found, the bodies of nearly all 
of whom had been thrown into the jungle for conceal- 
ment. Spanish newspapers of Santiago the day after 
the battle gave their loss as 77 killed. It is known 
Ili.it many wounded were carried into the city. Every 
possible attention was given to the wounded, and the 



TROOPS ENGAGED (YOUNG'S REPORT) 29 

medical officers were unremitting in their efforts to 
alleviate their sufferings. Circumstances necessarily 
limited their appliances to the First Aid order. The 
wounded were carried in improvised litters to Siboney, 
and the dead were carefully buried on the battlefield, 
a proper record of their burial being kept. Finding, 
when the ridge was carried, that many of my men had 
become exhausted by the excessive heat and exertion, 
I ordered a halt, and occupation of the captured posi- 
tion. Had I had at hand at the time of the assault a 
force of mounted cavalry, the fruits of our victory 
would have been more apparent. General Castillo 
did not appear on the field, nor did any of his troops 
come to the front until the firing had ceased. No other 
troops than those mentioned were engaged in the action. 
Three troops of the 9th U.S. Cavalry arrived on the 
left after the firing had stopped, and were posted as 
pickets until relieved by General Chaffee's Brigade of 
General Lawton's Division, which then took the advance. 
The action of all officers and men, so far as my per- 
sonal observation extended, was superb ; and I can 
only at this time mention the names of those whose 
conduct was personally observed by me as being 
highly conspicuous in gallantry and daring, and evi- 
dencing a firm intention to do everything within the 
power and endurance of humanity and the scope of 
duty. Capt. Knox, after being shot through the 
abdomen, and seeing his Lieutenant and 1st Sergeant 
wounded, gave necessary orders to his troop, and re- 
fused to allow a man in the firing-line to assist him to 
the rear. Lieutenant Byram, after having his scalp- 
wound dressed, and knowing his Captain (Knox) to 
be wounded, assumed command of his troop, but fell 



30 THE SANTIAGO CAMPAIGN 

fainting while pushing to the front. Capt. Mills, the 
only member of my stall' present with me on this part 
of the field, was most conspicuous for his daring and 
unflagging energy in his effort to keep troops in touch 
on the line, and in keeping me informed of the progress 
made in advancing through the jungle. 

In connection with the conduct of the officers, atten- 
tion is called to Col. Wood's report'on the conduct of 
Captain Capron, Major Brodie, Captain McClintock, 
Lieutenant Thomas, Lieut. -Colonel Roosevelt, Captain 
McCormick (7th U.S. Cavalry), and my personal 
Aids, Lieutenants T. R. Rivers and Smedberg. I 
cannot speak too highly of the efficient manner in 
which Colonel Wood handled his regiment, and of his 
magnificent behavior on the field. The conduct of 
Lieut. -Col. Roosevelt, as reported to me by my Aids, 
deserves my highest co mmendation. Both Col. Wood 
and Lieut. -Col. Roosevelt disdained to take advantage 
of shelter or cover from the enemy's fire while any 
of their men remained exposed to it; — an error of 
judgment, but happily on the heroic side. I beg leave 
to repeat that the behavior of all men of the regular 
and volunteer forces engaged in this action was sim- 
ply superb, and I feel highly honored in the command 
of such troops. I desire to express my admiration of 
the fine soldierly qualities, and conduct on the march 
and after meeting the enemy, of Major Norvell, 10th 
Cavalry, and Major Bell, 1st Cavalry, commanding 
squadrons; their quick and rapid execution of orders 
and instructions was admirable and gratifying. Major 
Bell received a serious wound in the early part of the 
engagement, and was succeeded in the command of his 
squadron by Captain Wainwright, whose management 



RESULTS (YOUNG'S REPORT) 31 

of the right wing of the advance firing-line was all that 
I could desire or hope for, and more than I could under 
such opposing conditions confidently expect. Captains 
Beck and Galbraith and Lieutenants Wright and Flem- 
ing also deserve equal praise for the manner in which 
they maneuvered and controlled their troops in at- 
tacking the precipitous heights before them. Captain 
Ayres' performance of the duties assigned to his troop 
was highly commendable, as was also Captain Watson's 
fine work with his battery. Attention is invited to the 
enclosed reports of troop commanders regarding the 
conduct of their subordinates and their men. Ass't 
Surgeon Fuller and Acting Ass't Surgeon Delgardo, 
also Ass't Surgeon J. R. Church, 1st Vol. Cavalry, 
deserve special mention for their gallant action in per- 
sonally carrying and assisting in carrying wounded 
men from the field under heavy fire. 

The chief results following from this action with the 
Spaniards are : A test of the valor of the opposing 
forces ; the spirit of superiority I believe it has fixed 
in our own ; the opening of the gates of Santiago de 
Cuba ; and the gaining of a beautiful camping-ground 
for our army on the heights overlooking that city, 
which can now easily be taken at our leisure. 
Very respectfully, 

S. B. M. Young, 
Brigadier- General U.S. Vols. 



32 THE SANTIAGO CAMPAIGN 

[Endorsement :] 

Respectfully forwarded. Calling special attention to 
commendation of Capt. Knox, Capt. Miller, Lt. Byram, 
Capt. Capron, Major Brodie, Capt. McClintock, Lt. 
Thomas, Lt.-Col. Roosevelt, Capt. McCormick [7th 
Cav'y], Lt. T. R. Rivers, Lt. Smedberg, Capt. Wain- 
wright, Capt. Beck, Capt. Galbraith, Lt. Wright, Lt. 
Fleming, Cajit. Ayers, Capt. Watson, Ass't Surg. 
Fuller, Surg. Delgardo, Surg. J. R. Church. I person- 
ally observed the conduct of many of these officers, and 
join heartily in General Young's commendation of them. 

Jos. Wheeler, 
Major-Qeii'l U.S. Vols., Commanding. 



Colonel Leonard Wood made the following 
report of the part taken by the 1st U.S. Volun- 
teer Cavalry (Rough Riders) in this battle: 

Headquarters 1st U.S. Vol. Cavalry, 
In Camp at Guasimas, Cuba, June 25, 1898. 

Brig. -General Young, 

CommWg 2d Brigade, Cavalry Division : 

Sir : I have the honor to submit the following report 
of the action at Guasimas, about nine (9) miles from 
Santiago, on the morning of June 24, 1898. 

I left camp at the sea-coast at 5.40, proceeding by trail 
in the direction of the town of Caverita. On reaching 
the top of the mesa, an advance guard was thrown out, 
and every precaution taken against surprise, as we had 
positive information that the enemy was ahead of us in 
force. The character of the country was such that 
reconnoitering was extremely difficult, as the dense 
growth of underbrush rendered the rapid movement of 
flanking parties practically impossible. At 7.10 our 
advanced point discovered what they believed to be 



HEAVY FIRING (WOOD'S REPORT) 33 

signs of the immediate presence of the enemy. The 
command was halted and the troops deployed to the 
right and left, in open skirmish order, and the com- 
mand ordered to advance carefully. The tiring began 
almost immediately, and the extent of firing on each 
flank indicated that we had encountered a very heavy 
force. Two additional troops were deployed on the 
right and left, thus leaving only three (3) troops in 
reserve. It was soon apparent that their lines were 
overlapping us on both flanks. Two (2) other troops 
were rapidly deployed, one on the right and one on the 
left, which gave our line a length about equal to their 
own. The firing about this time was exceedingly 
heavy, much of it at very short range, but on account 
of the heavy undergrowth comparatively few men were 
injured at this time. It was about this time that Capt. 
Capron was mortally wounded. The firing on his im- 
mediate front was terrific. 

The remaining troop was sent to the front, and the 
order given to advance very slowly. Men and officers 
behaved splendidly, and advanced slowly, forcing back 
the enemy on the right flank. We captured a small 
block-house and drove the enemy out of a very strong- 
position in the rocks. We were now able to distin- 
guish their line, which had taken a new position about 
800 or 1,000 yards in length and about 300 yards in 
front of us. The firing was exceedingly heavy here 
again, and it was here that we had a good many men 
wounded and several officers. Our men continued to 
advance in very good order, and steadily forced the 
Spanish line back. We now began to get a heavy fire 
from a ridge on our right, which enfiladed our line 
(this ridge was the position which was being attacked 



34 THE SANTIAGO CAMPAIGN 

by two squadrons of the regular cavalry) , and was held 
in very strong force by the Spanish in small rock forts 
along its entire length, supported by two machine-guns. 
Having cleared our right flank, we were able to 
pay some attention to the Spanish on the above- 
mentioned ridge, and centered upon it the fire of 
two troops. This fire, with the attacking force on the 
other side, soon completed the evacuation of this 
end of the ridge, and the regular assault com- 
pleted the evacuation along the entire length of 
the ridge. Of the Spaniards who retreated from the 
ridge some few fell into line, but apparently remained 
there only a moment when large masses of them were 
seen to retreat rapidly, and we were able to distinguish 
parties carrying litters of wounded men. At this time 
my detached troops had moved out to the left to take 
the right end of the Spanish line in flank. This was 
successfully accomplished ; and as soon as this troop 
gained its position, "Cease firing and advance" was 
ordered. Our men advanced within 300 yards of the 
enemy, when we again opened heavy fire. The Span- 
ish broke under this fire and retreated rapidly. We 
advanced to the last position held by them and halted, 
having established before this a connection on the riffht 
with the regular troops, who had successfully carried 
the ridge before mentioned. This left us in complete 
possession of the entire Spanish position. Our troops 
were too much exhausted and overcome with heat and 
hard work of the 2 preceding days to continue the pur- 
suit. Had we had many mounted men or even fresh 
foot troops J think we could have captured a large por- 
tion of their forces, as they seemed completely dis- 
heartened and dispirited. About 30 minutes after the 



DEATH OF CAPRON (WOOD'S REPORT) 35 

firing had ceased, three troops of the 9th U.S. Cavalry 
under Captain Dimniock reported to me and I advanced 
them, forming a heavy line of outposts covering our en- 
tire front at a distance of about 800 yds. from our line. 

About two hours after the fight was over, a number 
of Cubans came up and made a short reconnaissance 
as far as Ce vitas, and reported that the Spanish had ap- 
parently fled into Santiago, as they found no evidence 
of them. They reported a quantity of blood along 
the trail and a quantity of abandoned equipments, and 
every evidence of a complete rout from the point of 
their break in our front to above-named town (Cevitas) . 

In regard to the conduct of the officers and men, 
I can only say that one and all of them behaved 
splendidly. Captain Capron died shortly after the ter- 
mination of the fight. I cannot say enough in com- 
mendation of the gallant conduct of this officer. His 
troop was in advance and met the enemy in very heavy 
force, and resisted them and drove them back, and it 
was in the performance of this duty that the captain 
was mortally wounded. The service he performed 
prior to his death, and the work of his troop subse- 
quently to it, were of the very greatest value in con- 
tributing to the success of this engagement. Captain 
Capron's loss is an irreparable one to this regiment. 

Major Brodie was shot through the arm while on 
the firing-line. Captain McClintock had both bones of 
his leg broken, also on the firing-line. Lieut. Thomas, 
Captain Capron's 1st Lieutenant, was shot shortly 
after the fall of Capt. Capron. We found no wounded 
Spaniards, but all along the line we found their aban- 
doned equipments ; and there is every evidence of a 
large number of wounded. To the best of my knowl- 



36 THE SANTIAGO CAMPAIGN 

edge wo discovered in the neighborhood of 40 dead 
Spaniards. There may be some mistake in the figures 
owing to the jungle character of the country, and it is 
probable that a careful search will reveal many more. 
Mr. Marshall, of the New York " Journal," was shot 
through the spine while on the tiring-line witnessing 
the action. His conduct was extremely courageous. 

The 1st Squadron was under the command of Lieu- 
tenant-Colonel Theodore Roosevelt, and the 2d under 
Major Alex. O. Brodie : both of these officers deserve 
srreat credit for the intelligence and courage with which 
they handled their men. In this particular it is only 
fair to say that this remark would apply to all officers. 

I desire to express my appreciation of the gallant 
and effective services of Capt. McCormick, 7th Cav., 
attached to my regiment for any duty to which I might 
assign him; also of Capt. Rivers and Lieut. Smedberg 
of your staff, whose services were of the greatest value 
and performed under heavy fire. 

Very respectfully, 

Your obedient servant, 

Leonard Wood, 
Comdg. 1st U.S. Vol. Cav., of 2d Brig. Gov. Div. 

P.S. — Richard Harding Davis was with Col. Roose- 
velt during almost the entire action. 

{Endorsement :] 

Respectfully forwarded. Calling special attention to 
commendation of Captain Capron, Major Brodie, 
Capt. McClintock, Lieut. Thomas, Lt.-Col. Roosevelt, 
Capt. McCormick, Lt. Rivers, Lt. Smedberg, Mr. Mar- 
shall, and Mr. Richard Harding Davis, in all of which 

I join. 

Jos. Wheeler, 

Major-He )C I U.S. Vols., Comdg. 



"BEATEN, BUT PERSISTED IN FIGHTING" 37 

The " Espaiia " of the 25th of June — a paper 
published in Santiago — has this to say of their 
affair with the Cubans on the 23d, and the fight 
of Las Guasimas on the 24th : 

" June 24th. The column of General Rubin, 
under the command of the general-in-chief of 
the 4th Army Corps (Lieutenant-General Li- 
nares), was attacked yesterday afternoon. This 
morning large forces of the enemy with artillery 
attacked said column anew. Their attack was 
made with vigor and they fought without being 
under cover. They were repulsed with heavy 
losses which were seen by us." 

The lew York " Times " of July 1st contains 
an editorial which states that a Spanish despatch 
puts the Spanish forces in that battle at four 
thousand, and their loss at two hundred and 
sixty-five. The article is as follows: 

The more the facts come to light about the fight of 
last Friday, the more clearly appear the coolness and 
bravery of the volunteer cavalrymen. General Shatter 
puts it humorously in saying that " reports from Spanish 
sources from Santiago say we were beaten, but persisted 
in fighting, and they were obliged to fall back." 

As to the comparative number engaged, we now know 
exactly what the numbers were. The Spanish report 
is that four thousand Spaniards were attacked by ten 
thousand Americans and driven back with a loss of two 
hundred and sixty-five. The estimate of the American 
force is a loose Castilian exaggeration, but the state- 
ment of the Spanish force is doubtless accurate. On the 



38 THE SANTIAGO CAMPAIGN 

other hand, General Wheeler reports that we had nine 
hundred and sixty-four men engaged, almost equally 
divided between regulars and volunteers, and that the 
total loss was sixteen killed and fifty-two wounded. 

It is evident that the volunteers behaved as well as 
the regulars, although their loss happened to be some- 
what heavier. Of the sixteen killed they lost eight, and 
of the fifty-two wounded, thirty-four. It is really an 
amazing showing. Of course it will not do to reckon 
upon a repetition of that which has no precedent. 
Though not disciplined soldiers, these were picked men, 
and their performance shows that in extreme cases men 
of high individual courage, intelligence, and self-reli- 
ance, led by men like themselves, may be as efficient 
a fighting force as an equal number of men Avho have 
been drilled to respond to orders with the precision 
of a machine. 



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CHAPTER IV 

THE SPANISH FORCES ENGAGED EL CANEY'S DEFENCES 

BATTLE OF SAN JUAN SENIOR IN COMMAND 

ON THE LINE THE QUESTION OF FALLING BACK 

AFTER THE HILLS WERE GAINED 

THE next day after the engagement at Las 
Guasimas, General Miles telegraphed from 
his office in the War Department as follows: 

Washington, D.C., June 25. 
General Shafter, 

Daiquiri, Cuba : 
Congratulations on success attained thus far. Keoret 
most deeply to hear of the loss of your heroic men. 

Miles, 

Major- General. 

General Shafter sent the following despatch : 

Daiquiri, Cuba, June 26. 
Major-General Miles, 

Commanding Army, Washington : 

Thanks for congratulations. Nine hundred and 

sixty-four men only engaged on our side. But it was 

very decisive in our favor, and the enemy retreated 

precipitately. Lack of cavalry only prevented their 



40 THE SANTIAGO CAMPAIGN 

capture. Reports from Spanish sources from Santiago 

say we were beaten, but persisted in fighting, and they 

were obliged to fall back. Deeply regret the loss of 

so many brave men. 

Shafter. 

The civil governor of this province told me 
personally that the force which Lieutenant- 
General Linares had on the 24th was 4,000. 
Gen. Jose Toral told me that this was a mistake, 
and that they had but 2,000; he afterwards said 
a little less than 2,000 ; and he also said that 
their losses were about 250. When I mentioned 
the figure 265, he said, Yes, but that included 
the losses of the two preceding days. Lieuten- 
ant-General Linares told me that the force 
engaged on the twenty-fourth was 1,400; and 
General Escario told me that the losses that 
day were about 200. 

The moment General Lawton and the com- 
mander of his leading brigade, General Chaffee, 
heard the noise of my engagement, they promptly 
struck camp and marched to the front; but as 
the enemy broke and was in full retreat in a 
little more than an hour, they did not reach 
me until some time after the action was over. 

That evening I received letters from General 
Shafter expressing his pleasure at the good 
news of the fight, and telling me that he would 
send me reinforcements if needed; and at dark 
I received another letter from him reiterating 
offers of reinforcements, and saying: "Your 



IN GENERAL COMMAND ON SHORE 41 

news is excellent," I also that evening received 
orders to take command of all the troops on 
shore, and to put them in camp as they came up, 
in favorable positions for defence as well as con- 
venience; but he instructed me very positively 
not to move forward so as to become engaged 
with the enemy, as he did not wish any further 
engagement to take place until we could advance 
with the entire force. I therefore devoted my- 
self to reconnoitering the country, and selected 
camps with convenient water for the various 
divisions as they arrived. I also used large 
forces in repairing the road, so that we got it in 
very fair condition. 

On the 26th, I again received instructions not 
to advance. On the same day, General Shafter 
sent me this telegram from the President, thank- 
ing the troops for their victory at Las Guasimas : 

The President directs me to send his thanks to you 
and your army for the gallant action of yesterday, 
which I gladly do. 

R. A. Alger, 

Secretary of War. 

I reconnoitered close up to El Caney, and 
learned that there were not more than five hun- 
dred Spaniards at that place. I described the 
defences to General Shafter, and urged that I be 
permitted to attack the place with a large force 
of artillery; my argument being that the fire 
from a number of guns upon the forces at El 



42 THE SANTIAGO CAMPAIGN 

Caney would soon make their position untenable ; 
and that a division of infantry or dismounted 
cavalry being placed between El Caney and 
Santiago, would catch the Spaniards as they 
attempted to retreat. General Sh after admitted 
the feasibility of this plan, but after two inter- 
views and some correspondence informed me 
that he had determined to entrust this work to 
General Lawton. This officer was instructed to 
make the attack on El Caney at daylight on 
July 1st, while the Cavalry Division, and the 
Infantry Division under Brigadier-General Kent, 
were ordered forward; General Shafter's inten- 
tion being for Lawton to take El Caney, which 
he thought could be accomplished in half an 
hour or an hour, and then for him to move 
toward Santiago and support the attack of my 
own and Kent's Divisions upon the main Spanish 
army. Unfortunately, only a few guns were 
opened upon the forces at Caney, and it was not 
until three o'clock that the place was taken. In 
the meantime, the Cavalry Division and Kent's 
Division had crossed the San Juan River, and 
formed in line of battle, — the left of the cav- 
alry resting on the main Santiago road, and the 
right of Kent's Division joining the cavalry's left. 
There were two hills in our front: one called 
San Juan Hill, or San Juan House, from the 
fine farmhouse on its summit, which was directly 
in front of the cavalry line of battle, but did not 
extend to the line occupied by Kent's Division. 



INSTRUCTING GENERALS KENT AND SUMNER 43 

Upon this hill a body of the enemy were favor- 
ably positioned, but not strongly fortified; while 
several hundred yards nearer Santiago the main 
Spanish forces were intrenched along the crest 
of the other hill, called Fort San Juan. 

A large balloon was elevated not far above the 
main road, attached by a rope to the reel in its 
wagon; and while forming our troops, the enemy 
concentrated a warm fire of both artillery and 
infantry upon our whole line, especially concen- 
trating the fire upon the main road, which was 
indicated to them by the balloon. 

I had been directed by Colonel McClernand, 
General Shafter's adjutant-general, to give di- 
rections to General Kent in these movements; 
and I informed him that General Shafter desired 
the whole command to move forward. My 
former instructions and the general custom of 
the service made it proper that I should exer- 
cise this control over the whole line, which 
was fully appreciated by General Kent. I ex- 
plained to him in person the orders, and this 
gallant officer moved his division forward in 
magnificent order. My staff officers devoted 
themselves to the Cavalry Division, which, in 
forming that morning, had been temporarily 
under the control of Gen. S. S. Sumner ; the 
two brigades being commanded, the first by 
Lieut.-Col. Henry Carroll, and the second by 
Col. Leonard Wood, of the 1st Volunteer Cav- 
alry. I also gave directions to General Sumner, 



44 THE SANTIAGO CAMPAIGN 

and, through my staff officers, to Colonel Carroll 
and Colonel AVood. 

After the line was formed it was quite evident 
that the enemy had our range very accurately 
established, 1 and that it would not increase our 
casualties to charge; but would shorten the time 
spent by our troops subject to galling fire. 

The Cavalry Division charged up San Juan 
Hill in the face of a heavy fire, and descended 
to the plain below; where the left of the line 
joined the right of Kent's Division. The plain 
was then rapidly crossed by the entire force, also 
under heavy fire. The hill of Fort San Juan 
was charged, and the battle of July 1st was won. 

The enemy started in well, and fought with 
great vigor until they saw the determination of 
our men. The main Spanish line retreated from 
their works soon after our troops reached the 
foot of San Juan Hill ; but squads of skirmishers 
had selected positions where they were partly 
screened, and kept up their fire upon us; but 
when the crest was reached, the whole Spanish 
force was in retreat down the western slope of 
the ridge, under a warm fire from our entire line. 

1 That the assault on Santiago had hegun, was known by the receipt 
in Washington, at 9 o'clock in the morning, of the following: 

Camp at Sevilla, Cuba, July 1. 
Secretary of War, Washington: 

Action now going on, but firing light and desultory. Begun on 
right, mar Caney, Lawton's Division. He will move on northeast part 
of town of Santiago. Will keep you continually advised of progress. 
Shafter, Major- General Commanding. 



ENDURANCE OF THE TROOPS 45 

It is hard to conceive of any more gallant con- 
duct than was displayed by these troops in this 
engagement. They had waded the San Juan 
River, formed line under fire, advanced upon the 
enemy with nothing to shelter them from a deadly 
fire, charged over one hill and to the crest of 
another, and taken works which the Spaniards 
felt confident were impregnable. They were then 
exhausted. They numbered not more than six 
thousand men that morning: nearly a thousand 
had been killed or wounded; they had been 
compelled to throw down everything but their 
guns and ammunition in their advance, and were 
able to procure little food except rice and other 
articles which the Spaniards had left at the 
trenches. Yet these gallant men were uncom- 
plaining. Many of them had marched all the 
preceding night ; they had been in line of battle 
fighting the entire day ; and yet they cheerfully 
fell to work erecting breastworks, — they impro- 
vised litters to carry their numerous wounded to 
the rear, and made large details to perform the 
melancholy duty of burying their dead. These 
details, and the depletion of the ranks from ab- 
solute exhaustion, so reduced this force that it is 
doubtful if there were more than three thousand 
men on the ridge at midnight; but still they 
worked, and by daylight had constructed breast- 
works sufficiently strong to enable them suc- 
cessfully to repulse an attack. All this was done 
under fire from the enemy, who were but a few 



46 THE SANTIAGO CAMPAIGN 

hundred yards off. It was not surprising that 
the bravest of the brave men in their exhausted 
condition were apprehensive. They knew they 
had but some three thousand men on the ridge; 
they knew that a force of some seven thousand 
were in line of battle before them; and appeals 
of the strongest character were made for the army 
to withdraw for fear an attack would drive them 
in a rout from their position. I discountenanced 
this in every way possible. I reminded them 
that we had met the enemy at Las Guasimas on 
the 24th, — attacked and defeated them, driving 
them before us; and that here again we had suc- 
cessfully charged and taken their breastworks, 
driving them from a very strong position. I 
said: "These facts will convince the Spaniards 
that we will continue our attack upon their next 
line; and with that expectation it is unreasonable 
and not to be expected that they will return and 
attack us in the strong position we now hold." 
I also sent members of my staff along the line, 
reassuring officers and men in this manner. 

I felt quite convinced that the numerous and 
powerful appeals which had been made to me, in 
favor of withdrawing the army from San Juan 
ridge to some point in the rear, were without 
doubt being made to General Shafter with equal 
if not greater force ; and a little later I received 
information that my apprehensions in this regard 
were correct, and that General Shafter was 
assured that unless the army withdrew there was 



HOLDING THE RIDGE 47 

great danger of its being driven from the ridge 
in a disgraceful ront. I therefore wrote to Gen- 
eral Shafter telling him of these appeals to me, 
and also informing him that I was discountenanc- 
ing these apprehensions as far as it was in my 
power. I also told him, in my letter, 1 that to fall 
back from the position gained would result in a 
great loss of prestige. 

That portion of the main road extending from 
my headquarters — situated under the crest of 
the hill some 150 yards behind the firing-line, 
to those occupied by General Shafter — some five 
miles in the rear, was one of the worst pieces of 
highway it has ever been my lot to encounter. 
Large rocks and stones were there in abundance, 
which made it very difficult for the wagons 
conveying supplies from the ships to make even 
fair progress ; and it was especially hard for the 
ambulance-wagons, which were constantly em- 
ployed conveying the wounded from the front 
back to the Division Hospital. Especially after 
the various heavy rains, this road was practically 
impassable, and traveling its length during the 
active prosecution of hostilities was by no means 
without danger. This for a two-fold reason : 
First, because the bullets from the Spanish 
Mausers, which the Spaniards had shot too high 
to injure the men in our trenches, and which 
passed harmlessly over their heads, fell with their 
first force spent, into this road below ; and again, 

1 For this letter, see Part II., p. 274. 



48 THE SANTIAGO CAMPAIGN 

there were quite a number of sharp-shooters 
hidden in the branches of the trees lining this 
road, whose object it was to shoot down, from 
their place of refuge, any solitary officer or man 
who had the misfortune to travel unattended. 
I was informed that some of them had sewn on 
their clothing small leaves and branches of trees 
so as to lessen their chances of detection. 

It was somewhat amusing and yet very pitiful 
to witness the abject fear and trepidation of the 
prisoners captured by us. They were marched 
to General Shafter's headquarters, promptly 
disarmed, and anything with which they could 
inflict injury taken from them. They gazed 
about them with staring eyes, watching closely 
every movement of their guards, and whenever 
a body of these latter entered and were drawn 
into line, they confidently thought their time had 
come, and that they were to be shot down in a 
body. 

At such times they would alternately shriek for 
mercy and endeavor to pacify their captors by 
shouting " Viva los Americanos ! " Unmistak- 
able, therefore, were their expressions of surprise 
and delight, and frantic their gesticulations when 
they were made to lie down on the grass, were 
spoken to kindly by the Americans' interpreters, 
and were given a more substantial meal than 
they had probably had since leaving their native 
land. 



CHAPTER Y 

BATTLE OF SAN JUAN (CONCLUDED) REMARKS OF 

N. Y. " SUN " ON GENERAL SHAFTER'S EXPURGATED 

DESPATCH MY REPORT OF THIS BATTLE TABLES 

OF LOSSES, CAVALRY DIVISION AND KENT'S INFANTRY 

DIVISION NAMES AND COMMANDS OF OFFICERS 

KILLED AND WOUNDED 



A 



T midnight of the first, General Bates 
reached me and reported his brigade en 
route. At half-past two, the leading regiment 
reached the foot of the ridge; and at daylight 
on July 2d, I had it placed upon the ridge to 
the left of our line. 

General Lawton arrived during the morn- 
ing of July 2d, and the leading brigade of his 
division was placed in line about noon, and was 
deployed upon the right of the cavalry. Before 
daylight, I had placed the artillery under Major 
Dillenbaek in position on the ridge to open fire 
in conjunction with the infantry when day 
dawned. This was done, but the artillery found 
themselves subjected to a very warm infantry 
fire from the Spanish lines, and finally withdrew 
to a position which they said was more favor- 



50 THE SANTIAGO CAMPAIGN 

able. From early in the morning of July 2d, a 
tolerably brisk and almost continuous lire was 
kept up by the two armies ; but as our line was 
favorably located and fairly protected by breast- 
works, the casualties on our side were not 
severe. I directed the officers to reassure the 
men; and after Bates and Lawton were placed 
on the line, I directed that the men be told that 
they were in twice as strong a position and twice 
as strong in numbers as they were the preced- 
ing day. I did not intend speaking of this 
matter at all; but it appears that the New York 
newspapers of July 4th made mention of this, 
and it also appears that General Shafter's tele- 
gram which reached Washington July 3d stated 
that he might find it necessary to fall back 
to a stronger position while awaiting the arrival 
of reinforcements. It seems that this part of 
General Shafter's despatch was not made public 
at the time, but later in the day was given out 
by the Secretary of War. I copy the following 
statement upon this question from the second 
page, fourth column, of the New York " Sun " 
of July 4th : 

The despatches received here to-day from Major- 
General Shafter show that he is holding his own at San- 
tiago. That is all that can he said for the American 
army at this time, and the conditions are not likely to 
change until the army has been reinforced. There 
has been no reverse to the American arms, — in fact, 
General Shafter has had a series of successes ; and 



PUSHING FORWARD 51 

while it is true that some of his troops may be obliged 
to fall back to better positions, the wait will not be 
long, and Santiago will be in possession of the United 
States forces within a very short time. In the expres- 
sive words of Major-General Miles to the " Sun " 
reporter : " General Shafter has done well, but the 
situation has developed conditions which prevent us 
from taking the city." 

The failure to make public the full text of General 
Shatter's telegram of this morning has caused some 
thoughtless criticism. Secretary Alger frankly said, 
in explanation of giving out an expurgated copy of the 
message, that it would not be policy to make public 
all it contained, as General Shafter included mention 
of his plans. It is known that General Shafter said in 
the despatch, that he might find it necessary to fall 
back to a stronger position while awaiting the arrival 
of reinforcements, and that he also reported his illness. 



Immediately after these events I made an 
official report to General Shafter, which is as 
follows : 

Headquarters Cavalry Division, 
Before Santiago, Cuba, July 7, 1898. 

Adjutant-Gexeral 5 th Army Corps : 

Sir : After the engagement of June 24th I pushed 
forward my command through Sevilla into the valley, 
Lawton's and Kent's commands occupying the hills in 
the vicinity of that place. After two days' rest Law- 
ton was ordered forward, and on the night of the 30th 
instructions were given by Major-General Shafter to 
this officer to attack Caney while the Cavalry Division 



52 THE SANTIAGO CAMPAIGN 

and Kent's Division were ordered to move forward 
on the regular Santiago road. The movement com- 
menced on the morning of July 1st. The Cavalry 
Division advanced, and formed its line with its left 
near the Santiago road ; while Kent's Division formed 
its line with the right joining the left of the Cav- 
alry Division. 

Colonel McClernand, of General Shatter's staff, 
directed me to give instructions to General Kent, which 
I complied with in person, at the same time personally 
directing General Sumner to move forward. The men 
were all compelled to wade the San Juan River to get 
into line. This was done under very heavy fire of 
both infantry and artillery. Our balloon, having been 
sent up right by the main road, was made a mark of by 
the enemy. It was evident that we were as much 
under fire in forming the line as we would be by an 
advance, and I therefore pressed the command for- 
ward from the covering under which it was formed. 
It merged into open space in full view of the enemy, 
who occupied breastworks and batteries on the crest of 
the hill which overlooks Santiago, — officers and men 
falling at every step. The troops advanced gallantly, 
soon reached the foot of the hill, and ascended, driv- 
ing the enemy from their works and occupying them 
on the crest of the hill. To accomplish this required 
coinage and determination, on the part of the officers 
and men, of a high order, and the losses were very 
severe. 

Too much credit cannot be given to General Sum- 
ner and General Kent, and their gallant Brigade 
Commanders — Colonel Wood and Colonel Carroll of 
the Cavalry, Gen. Hamilton S. Hawkins, commanding 



THE ENEMY'S RETREAT 53 

1st Brigade, Kent's Division, and Colonel Pearson, 
commanding 2d Brigade. Colonel Carroll and Major 
Wessells were both wounded during the charge ; 
but Major Wessells was enabled to return and resume 
command. General Wyckoff, commanding Kent's 
3d Brigade, was killed at 12.10. Lieutenant-Colonel 
Worth took command, and was wounded at 12.15. 
Lieutenant-Colonel Liscuni then took command, and 
was wounded at 12.20; and the command then de- 
volved upon Lieutenant-Colonel Ewers, 9th Infantry. 

Upon reaching the crest,I ordered breast works to 
be constructed, and sent to the rear for shovels, picks, 
spades, and axes. The enemy's retreat from the ridge 
was precipitate, but our men were so thoroughly ex- 
hausted that it was impossible for them to follow. 
Their shoes were soaked with water by wading the 
San Juan River, they had become drenched with rain, 
and when they reached the crest they were absolutely 
unable to proceed further. Notwithstanding this con- 
dition, these exhausted men labored during the night 
to erect breastworks, and furnished details to bury the 
dead and carry the wounded back in improvised litters. 

I sent word along; the line that reinforcements 
would soon reach us, and that Lawton would join our 
right, and that General Bates would come up and 
strengthen our left. After reaching- the crest of the 
ridge General Kent sent the 13th Regulars to assist in 
strengthening our right. At midnight General Bates 
reported, and I placed him in a strong position on the 
left of our line. General Lawton had attempted to 
join us from Caney ; but when very near our lines he 
was fired upon by the Spaniards and turned back, 
but joined us next day at noon by a circuitous route. 



54 THE SANTIAGO CAMPAIGN 

During all the day, on July 2d, the Cavalry Divi- 
sion, Kent's Division, and Bates' Brigade were en- 
gaged with the enemy, being subjected to a severe fire 
and incurring many casualties ; and later in the day 
Lawton's Division also became engaged. 

During the entire engagement my staff performed 
their duties with courage, judgment, and ability. 
Special credit is due to Lieut. -Colonel J. H. Dorst, 
Maj. William D. Beach, Capt. Joseph E. Dickman, 
and Lieut. M. F. Steele. I desire also to say that 
Lieuts. James H. Reeves and Joseph Wheeler, junior, 
Capt. Wm. Astor Chanler, Major E. A. Garlington, 
Mr. Aurelius E. Mestre, and Corp. John Lundmark 
also deserve high commendation for courage and good 
conduct. Major West, my quartermaster, deserves 
special commendation for his energy and good conduct 
during the campaign; and Maj. Valery Havard and 
Mr. Leonard Wilson have also done their full duty. 
Captain Hardie and 1st Lieut. F. J. Koester, with 
Troop 6, 3d Cavalry, were detailed with headquarters, 
and conducted themselves handsomely under lire. The 
superb courage displayed by the officers and men will 
be specially mentioned in the reports of subordinate 
commanders. 

Our airirregatc strength, and our losses, were as 
follows : 



STRENGTH AND CASUALTIES 



55 



Strength and Casualties of the Cavalry Division, U.S. Army, 
in the Battle of San Juan, 1 Cuba. 



FIRST BRIGADE. 





Killed. 


Wounded 


Aggre- 
gate. 


Strength. 


Organizations. 


Offi- 
cers. 


Men. 


Offi- 
cers. 


Men. 


Offi- 
cers. 


Men. 


6th Cavalry .... 
9th Cavalry .... 


2 


3 
4 
2 


6 
4 
2 


47 
50 
17 


56 
58 
23 


22 
16 
12 


420 

427 
207 


Totals .... 


2 


9 


12 


114 


137 


50 


1,054 



SECOND BRIGADE. 



1st Cavalry .... 
10th Cavalry .... 
1st Volunteer Cavalry . 


1 
2 

1 


13 

6 

12 


3 
1 
9 
5 


47 
66 
72 


3 
62 

83 
90 


21 
22 
25 


501 
450 
517 


Totals .... 


4 


31 


18 


185 


238 


77 


1,468 


Grand Totals 


6 40 


30 


299 


375 


127 


2,522 



One man in First United States Volunteer Cavalry 
reported missing. 

1 Two engagements — San Juan Hill, and Fort San Juan — together 
formed the Battle of San Juan. San Juan Hill was the name of one 
hill taken, and Fort San Juan the name of another with a fort on it. 



56 



THE SANTIAGO CAMPAIGN 



Strength and Casualties, Kent's Infantry Division, U.S. Army, 
in the Battle of San Juan, Cuba. 





Present for 
Duty, Jolt 1. 


Killed. 


Wounded. 


Miss- 
ing. 


Organizations. 


Offi- 
cers. 


Men. 


Offi- 
cers. 


Men. 


Offi- 
cers. 


Men. 


Dfficers 
and 
Men. 


Division Commander 


















6 


3 






1 


1 


• • 


1st Brigade, Com- 
















mander and Staff . 


5 




2 




1 




• • 


2d Brigade, Com- 
















mander and Staff . 
















3d Brigade, Com- 
















mander and Staff . 






1 










1st Brigade : 
















6th U.S. Infantry 


29 


435 


4 


13 


7 


99 


2 


16th U.S. Infantry . 


23 


G07 


1 


13 


6 


105 


3 


71st N.Y. Volunteer 
















Infantry . . . 


43 


915 


• • 


13 


1 


59 


43 


2d Brigade : 
















2d U.S. Infantry . . 


18 


601 




6 


4 


48 


2 


10th U.S. Infantry . 


21 


450 


1 


5 


5 


37 


2 


21st U.S. Infantry . 


25 


442 




6 


1 


33 


1 


3d Brigade : 
















9th U.S. Infantry 


18 


469 


1 


3 


• • 


28 


• • 


13th U.S. Infantry . 


24 


436 


2 


17 


5 


84 


1 


24th U.S. Infantry . 


23 


511 


2 


11 


6 


69 


5 


Totals . . . 


235 


4,869 


14 


87 


37 


563 


59 



OFFICERS KILLED AND WOUNDED 



57 



Officers of the Cavalry Division Killed and Wounded in the 
Battle of San Juan, Cuba. 



OFFICERS KILLED. 



Names. 


Organizations. 


Lieut.-Col. James X. Hamilton 


9th Cavalry. 


Major Albert G. Forse . . . 


1st Cavalry. 


Capt. W. 0. O'Neil 


1st U.S. Vol. Cavalry. 


1st Lieut. William N". Shipp . 


10th Cavalry. 


1st Lieut. W. K Smith . . . 


10th Cavalry. 


Acting Assistant Surgeon H. W. 






9th Cavalry. 



OFFICERS wounded. 



Names. 


Organizations. 


Lieut.-Col. Henry Carroll . . 


6th Cav. (Com'd'g First 




Brigade.) 


Major Henry W. AVessells, jr. 


3d Cavalry. 


Major T. J. Wikt 


10th Cavalry. 


Major and Assistant Surgeon 






1st U.S. Vol. Cavalry. 


Major W. C. Hayes .... 


1st Ohio Vol. Cavalry. 


Capt. J. B. Keer 


6th Cavalry. 


Capt. George A. Dodd 


3d Cavalry. 


Capt. George K. Hunter . . 


3d Cavalry. 


Capt. C. W. Taylor .... 


9th Cavalry. 


Capt. A. P. Blocksam .... 


6th Cavalry. 


Capt. John Bigelow, jr. . . . 


10th Cavalry. 


Capt. M. T. Henry 


Com'd'g 1st U.S. Vol. 




Cavalry. 


1st Lieut. A. L. Hills .... 


1st Cavalry, Captain and 




Act'g Adj. -Gen. Vols. 


1st Lieut. M. H. Barnum . . 


10th Cavalry. 



[Continued on next page. 



58 



THE SANTIAGO CAMPAIGN 



Wounded, - 


- concluded. 


Names. 


Organizations. 


1st Lieut. Arthur Thayer 
1st Lieut. 0. B. Meyer 
1st Lieut. W. S. Wood 
1st Lieut. A. C. Murrillat 
1st Lieut. E. D. Anderson 
1st Lieut. R. C. Livermore 
1st Lieut. Carr .... 
1st Lieut. David J. Leahey 
2d Lieut. Williard . . 
2d Lieut. Walter C. Short 
2d Lieut. F. R. McCoy . 
2d Lieut. T. A. Roberts . 
2d Lieut. H. K. Devereaux 
2d Lieut. H. C. Whitehead 
1st Lieut. R, C. Day . . 
Cadet L. K. Haskell . 






3d Cavalry. 

3d Cavalry. 

9th Cavalry. 

3d Cavalry. 

10th Cavalry. 

10th Cavalry. 

1st U.S. Vol. Cavalry. 

1st U.S. Vol. Cavalry. 

10th Cavalry. 

6th Cavalry. 

10th Cavalry. 

10th Cavalry. 

1st U.S. Vol. Cavalry. 

10th Cavalry. 

1st U.S. Vol. Cavalry. 

1st U.S. Vol. Cavalry. 



General Kent's report of casualties of officers has 
been forwarded. 

The strength given in tabulated statements 1 above, 
is the ago-reo-ate strength of the command ; but as there 
were many details, above figures are about 15 percent, 
greater than the forces actually engaged in battle. 

The command has been active in strengthening 
their position, and commanders and their staffs have 
thoroughly informed themselves as to the topograph- 
ical features of the country and the situation of the 

enemy. 

Very respectfully, 

Jos. Wheeler, 

Major-General Vols., Commanding. 



1 See pp. 55 and 5G. 



CHAPTER YI 

THE BATTLE OF SAN JUAN (CONCLUDED) OFFICIAL 

REPORTS OF GENERAL KENT, COLONEL LEONARD 
WOOD, OF THE "ROUGH RIDERS," AND THEODORE 
ROOSEVELT, LIEUTENANT-COLONEL COMMANDING 

FOLLOWING is the official report by Brig.- 
Gren. J. F. Kent, of the part taken by his 
command in the Battle of San Juan: 

Headquarters 1st Division, 5th Army Corps, 
In the Field, Fort San Juan, 
Near Santiago de Cuba, July 7, 1898. 

The Assistant Adjutant-General, Fifth Army 
Corps : 

Sir : I have the honor to submit the following re- 
port of the operations of my command in the battle of 
July 1 : 

On the afternoon of June 30, pursuant to orders 
given me verbally by the corps commander at his 
headquarters, I moved my second and third brigades 
(Parson and Wikoff) forward about two miles to a 
point on the Santiago road near corps headquarters. 
Here the troops bivouacked, the First Brigade (Haw- 
kins) remaining in its camp of the two preceding days, 
slightly in rear of corps headquarters. 



60 THE SANTIAGO CAMPAIGN 

On the following morning (July 1) at 7 o'clock, I 
rode forward up the hill where Capt. Grimes' Battery 
was in position. I here met Lieut. -Col. McClernand, 
Assistant Adjutant-General Fifth Corps, who pointed 
out to me a green hill in the distance, which was to be 
my objective on my left, and either he or Lieutenant 
Miley of Major-Gen. Shatters staff gave me directions 
to keep my right on the main road leading to the city 
of Santiago. I had previously given the necessary 
orders for Hawkins' Brigade to move early ; to be fol- 
lowed in turn by "Wikoff and Parson. 

Shortly after Grimes' Battery opened fire, I rode 
down to the stream, and there found Gen. Hawkins at 
the head of his brigade at a point about 250 yards from 
the El Poso sugar-house. Here I gave him his orders. 
The enemy's artillery was now replying to Grimes' 
Battery. I rode forward with Hawkins about 150 
yards, closely followed by the 6th Infantry, which was 
leading the First Brigade. At this point I received 
instructions to allow the cavalry the right of way, but 
for some unknown reason they moved up very slowly, 
thus causing a delay in my advance of fully forty 
minutes. Lieutenant Miley, of Gen. Shatter's staff, 
was at this point, and understood how the division was 
delayed ; and repeated several times that he under- 
stood I was makin gall the progress possible. Gen. 
Hawkins went forward, and word came back in a few 
minutes that it would be possible to observe the 
enemy's position from the front. I immediately rode 
forward with my stall*. The fire of the enemy's sharp- 
shooters was very distinctly felt at this time. I 
crossed the main ford of the San Juan Kiver, joined 
General Hawkins, and with him observed the enemy's 



PANIC-STRICKEN SOLDIERS (KENT'S REPORT) 61 

position from a point some distance in advance of the 
ford. General Hawkins deemed it possible to turn 
the enemy's right at Fort San Juan, but later, under 
the heavy fire, this was found impracticable for the 
First Brigade, but was accomplished by the Third Brig- 
ade, coming up later on Gen. Hawkins' left. Having 
completed the observation, with my staff I proceeded 
to join the head of my division, just coming under 
heavy fire. Approaching the First Brigade, I directed 
them to move alongside the cavalry (which was 
halted) . We were already suffering losses caused by 
the balloon, near by, attracting fire and disclosing our 
position. 

The enemy's infantry fire, steadily increasing in in- 
tensity, now came from all directions, not only from 
the front and the dense tropical thickets on our flanks, 
but from sharp-shooters thickly posted in trees in our 
rear, and from shrapnel apparently aimed at the bal- 
loon. Lieut. -Colonel Derby, of Gen. Shatter's staff, 
met me about this time, and informed me that a trail 
or narrow way had been discovered from the balloon, a 
short distance back, leading to the left of a ford lower 
down the stream. I hastened to the forks made by 
this road, and soon after the 71st New York Regiment 
of Hawkins' Brigade came up. I turned them into 
the by-path indicated by Lieut. -Col. Derby, leading to 
the lower ford, sending word to Gen. Hawkins of this 
movement. This would have speedily delivered them 
in their proper place on the left of their brigade, but 
under the galling fire of the enemy the leading battalion 
of this regiment was thrown into confusion and re- 
coiled in disorder on the troops in the rear. At this 
critical moment the officers of my staff practically 



(32 THE SANTIAGO CAMPAIGN 

formed a cordon behind the panic-stricken men, and 
ursred them to again ao forward. I finally ordered them 
to lie down in the thicket and clear the way for others 
of their own regiment, who were coming up behind. 
This many of them did, and the Second and Third 
Battalions came forward in better order and moved them 
along the road toward the ford. 

One of my stall' officers ran back waving his hat to 
hurry forward the Third Brigade, who, upon approach- 
ing the forks, found the way blocked by men of the 
71st New York. There were other men of this regi- 
ment crouching in the bushes, many of whom were 
encouraged by the advance of the approaching column 
to arise and go forward. As already stated, I had 
received orders some time before to keep in rear of the 
Cavalry Division. Their advance was much delayed, 
resulting in frequent halts, presumably to drop their 
blanket-rolls, and due to the natural delay in fording 
a stream. These delays under such a hot lire grew 
exceedingly irksome, and I therefore pushed the head 
of my division as quickly as I could toward the river, 
in column of tiles of twos, paralleled in the narrow way 
by the cavalry. This quickened the forward move- 
ment, and enabled me to get into position as speedily 
as possible for the attack. Owing to the congested 
condition of the road, the progress of the narrow 
column was, however, painfully slow. I again sent 
a stall' officer at a gallop to urge forward the troops 
in the rear. 

The head of AVikoff's Brigade reached the forks 
at 12.20 P.M., and hurried on the left, stepping over 
prostrate forms of men of the Seventy-first. This 
heroic brigade, consisting of the 13th, 9th, and 24th 



THE INFANTRY CHARGE (KENT'S REPORT) 63 

United States Infantry, speedily crossed the stream 
and was quickly deployed to the left of the lower ford. 
While personally superintending this movement, Col. 
Wikoff was killed, — the command of the brigade then 
devolving upon Lieut. -Colonel Worth, 13th Infantry, 
who immediately fell, severely wounded ; and then 
Lieut.-Col. Liscum, 24th Infantry, who five minutes 
later also fell under the withering fire of the enemy. 
The command of the brigade then devolved upon 
Lt.-Col. E. P. Ewers, 9th Infantry. Meanwhile I had 
again sent a staff officer to hurry forward the Second 
Brigade, which was bringing up the rear. The 10th 
and 2d Infantry, soon arriving at the forks, were de- 
flected to the left to follow the Third Brigade ; while 
the 21st was directed along the main road to support 
Hawkins. 

Crossing the lower ford a few minutes later, the 
10th and 2d moved forward in column, in good order, 
toward the green knoll already referred to as my ob- 
jective on the left. Approaching the knoll, the regi- 
ments deployed, — passed over the knoll, and ascended 
the high ridge beyond, driving back the enemy in the 
direction of his trenches. I observed this movement 
from the Fort San Juan Hill. Colonel E. P. Pearson, 
10th Infantry, commanding the Second Brigade, and 
the officers and troops under his command, deserve 
great credit for the soldierly manner in which this 
movement was executed. I earnestly recommend 
Col. Pearson for promotion. Prior to this advance 
of the Second Brigade, the Third, connecting with 
Hawkins' gallant troops on the right, had moved 
toward Fort San Juan, sweeping through a zone of 
most destructive fire, scaling a steep and difficult hill, 



64 THE SANTIAGO CAMPAIGN 

and assisting in capturing the enemy's strong position, 
Fort San Juan, at 1.30 p.m. This crest was about 
125 feet above the general level, and was defended by 
deep trenches and a loopholed brick fort surrounded 
by barbed-wire entanglements. Gen. Hawkins, some 
time after I reached the crest, reported that the 6th 
and 16th Infantry had captured the hill, which I now 
consider incorrect. The credit is almost equally due 
the 6th, 9th, 13th, 16th, and 24th Regiments of 
Infantry. Owing to Gen. Hawkins' representations, 
I forwarded the report sent to corps headquarters 
about 3 p.m., that the 6th and the 16th Infantry had 
captured the hill. 

The 13th Infantry captured the enemy's colors wav- 
ing over the fort, but unfortunately destroyed them, 
distributing the fragments among the men, because, as 
was asserted, " it was a bad omen," two or three men 
having been shot while assisting private Arthur Agnew, 
Company H, 13th Infantry, the captor. All fragments 
which could be recovered arc submitted with this re- 
port. The greatest credit is due to the officers of my 
command, — whether company, battalion, regiment, or 
brigade commanders, who so admirably directed the 
formation of their troops, unavoidably intermixed in 
the dense thicket, and made the desperate rush for the 
distant and strongly defended crest. I have already 
mentioned the circumstances of my Third Brigade's 
advance across the ford, where in the brief space of 
ten minutes it lost its brave commander (killed), and 
the next two ranking officers by disabling wounds. 
Yet, in spite of these confusing conditions, the forma- 
tions were effected without hesitation, although under 
;i stinging fire ; companies acting singly in some cir- 



HONORABLE MENTION (KENT'S REPORT) 65 

cumstances and by battalions and regiments in others, 
rushing through the jungle across the stream, waist- 
deep, and over the wide bottom thickly set with 
barbed-wire entanglements. At this point I wish to 
particularly mention First Lieut. Wendell L. Simpson, 
Adjutant 9th Infantry, Acting Assistant Adjutant- 
General Third Brigade, who was noticeably active and 
efficient in carrying out orders which I had given him 
to transmit to his brigade commander, who no longer 
existed. 

The enemy having retired to the second line of rifle- 
pits, I directed my line to hold their position and in- 
trench. At ten minutes past 3 p.m. I received almost 
simultaneously two requests, — one from Col. Wood, 
commanding Cavalry Brigade, and one from General 
Sumner, asking for assistance for the cavalry on my 
right, as they were hard-pressed. I immediately sent 
to their aid the 13th Infantry ; who promptly went on 
this further mission, despite the heavy losses they had 
already sustained. 

Great credit is due to the gallant officer and gentle- 
man, Brig.-Gen. H. S. Hawkins, who, placing himself 
between the two regiments leading his brigade, — the 
6th and 16th Infantry, — urged and led them by voice 
and bugle-calls to the attack so successfully accom- 
plished. My earnest thanks are due to my staff 
officers present at my side and under my personal 
observation on the field, especially to Major A. C. 
Sharpe, Assistant Adjutant-General, Major Philip 
Reade, Inspector-General, Capt. U. G. McAlexander, 
Chief Quartermaster ; and my Aids, 1st Lieutenant 
George S. Cartwright, 24th Infantry, and 1st Lieu- 
tenant William P. Jackson, 2d Infantry ; — also to 



66 



THE SANTIAGO CAMPAIGN 



Mr. Adolfo Carlos Muncz ; the latter a Volunteer Aid, 
subsequently wounded in the light of the 2d inst. , 
who richly merits a commission for his able assist- 
ance given without pay. 

The officers enumerated should at least be breveted 
for gallantry under tire. I also personally noticed the 
conduct of 1st Lieut. T. J. Kirkpatrick, Assistant 
Surgeon, United States Army, on duty with 24th 
Infantry, giving most efficient aid to the wounded 
under fire. I observed several times 1st Lieut. J. D. 
Milcy, 5th Artillery, Aid to Gen. Shafter, who was 
conspicuous throughout the day for his coolness under 
fire, delivering instructions with apparent unconcern. 

The bloody fighting of my brave command cannot 
be adequately described in words. The following 
list of killed, wounded, and missing, tells the story 
of their valor : 

Report of the Killed, Wounded, and Missing, — 1st Division, 
5th Army Corps, — July 1, 1898. 



FIRST BRIGADE. 





Killed. 


Wounded. 


Miss- 
ing. 


Organizations. 


Offi- 
cers. 


Men. 


Offi- 
cers. 


Men. 


6th Infantry ....... 

71st N.Y. Vol. Infantrv . . . 


1 
4 


13 
13 
12 


5 

7 
1 


82 
95 
47 


6 
43 




5 


38 


13 


224 


49 



THE CASUALTIES (KENT'S REPORT) 



(37 



Report of July 1st, — concluded. 



SECOND 


BRIGADE. 










Killed. 


Wounded. 


Miss- 
ing. 


Organizations. 


Offi- 
cers. 


Men. 


Offi- 
cers. 


Men. 


10th Infantry 

21st Infantry 


1 


4 
5 
1 


5 

1 
4 


21 
25 
16 


















1 


10 


10 


62 





THIRD BRIGADE. 



Brigade Commander .... 


1 












1 


3 




23 


1 




2 


16 


5 


81 


1 




2 


10 


4 


73 


7 




6 


29 


9 


177 


9 




12 


77 


32 


463 


58 



At daylight on the morning of July 2d, the enemy 
resumed the battle, and tiring continued throughout the 
day, part of the time in a drenching rain. At nightfall 
the firing ceased, but at 9 p.m. a vigorous assault was 
made all along our lines. This was completely re- 
pulsed, the enemy again retiring to his trenches. The 



68 



THE SANTIAGO CAMPAIGN 



following morning, firing was resumed, and continued 
until near noon, when a white flag was displayed by 
the enemy, and firing was ordered to cease. 

The casualties in these two days (July 2d and 3d) 
are as follows : 

Report of the Killed, Wounded, and Missing, — 1st Division, 
5th Army Corps, - July 2, 1898. 



FIRST BRIGADE. 





Killed. 


Wounded. 


Miss- 


Organizations. 


Offi- 
cers. 


Men. 


Offi- 
cers. 


Men. 


ing. 








I 1 
1 


21 

o 

7 












16th Infantry 




1 


1 


71st N.Y. Vol. Infantry . . . 


1 




• • 






1 


1 


2 


30 


1 





SECOND 


BRIGADE. 








10th Infantry 




1 
1 

4 




14 

7 

31 


3 


21st Infantry 






'M Infantry 
















6 




52 


3 









1 Mr. A. C. Munoz, Volunteer Aid to Division Commander. 



THE CASUALTIES 



69 



Report of July 2d, — continued. 



THIRD 


BRIGADE. 










Killed. 


Wounded. 


Miss- 
ing. 


Organizations. 


Offi- 
cers. 


Men. 


Offi- 
cers. 


Men. 










4 
3 

1 














24th Infantry 




1 


2 














1 


2 


8 











Grand Totals 



90 



Report of the Killed, Wounded, and Missing, — 1st Division, 
5th Army Corps, -July 3, 1898. 



FIRST BRIGADE. 





Killed. 


"Wounded. 


Miss- 
ing. 


Organizations. 


Offi- 
cers. 


Men. 


Offi- 
cers. 


Men. 


16th Infantry 








1 
2 
4 














71st N.Y. Vol. Inf 










Total 








7 















70 



THE SANTIAGO CAMPAIGN 



Report of July 3d, — concluded. 



SECOND BRIGADE. 




Killed. 


Wounded. 




Organizations. 


Offi- 
cers. 


MeD. 


Offi- 
cers. 


Men. 


ING. 


10th Infantry , 




























1 














Total 




1 
















THIRD BRIGADE. 














13th Infantry 








1 


































1 


















1 




8 










Grand Totals : 

July 1, 2, 3, 1898 .... 


12 


87 


3G 


561 


02 



One Hospital Corps man attached to the 10th In- 
fantry, killed, not included in above report. 

I desire, in conclusion, to express my gratitude to 
Major-Gen. Joseph Wheeler for his courteous conduct 
to me, and through me to my division, under the try- 



THE CAVALRY TROOPS (WOOD'S REPORT) 71 

ing circumstances enumerated. Though ill and suffer- 
ing, Gen. Wheeler was so perfectly at home under fire 
that he inspired all of us with assurance. 

Attention is invited in this connection to the report 
of brigade and subordinate commanders, and of my 
Inspector-General, herewith. I cordially indorse their 
recommendations. Very respectfully, 

J. Ford Kent, 
Brigadier- General U.S.A., Commanding. 



The report of Col. Leonard Wood, command- 
ing Second Brigade, Cavalry Division, of the 
same battle, was as follows: 

Headquarters 2d Cavalry Brigade, 
In Trenches about Santiago de Cuba, July 6, 1898. 

Adj. -General, Cav. Division, 5th Army Corps : 

Sir : I have the honor to submit the following re- 
port relative to the 2d Cavalry Brigade in the assault 
on the works to the east of Santiago de Cuba, and the 
action on the heights, during the afternoon and night 
of the 1st of July. The brigade was composed of 
Troops A, B, C, D, E, F, G, and I ; also Headquarters 
and Band of 10th U.S. Cavalry, under command of 
Lieut. -Colonel T. A. Baldwin, 10th Cavalry; Troops 
A, B, C, D, E, G, I, and K, 1st U.S. Cavalry, under 
command of Lieut. -Colonel C. D. Viele, 1st Cavalry ; 
and Troops A, B, D, E, F, G, K, and L, 1st U.S. 
Volunteer Cavalry, under command of Lieut. -Colonel 
Theodore Roosevelt, 1st U.S. Volunteer Cavalry. 

On the morning of July 1, 1898, the brigade was 
camped at El Pozo, about three miles from Santiago de 



72 THE SANTIAGO CAMPAIGN 

Cuba, in support of Grimes' Battery of artillery, which 
was in position on a ridge just above the old sugar- 
mill. Early in the morning we received orders to 
prepare for a move to the front in support of a move 
which Lawton's Division was making upon Santiago 
by way of Caney. At 7 a.m., Capt. Grimes' Battery 
opened fire on the Spanish works ; which fire was 
rapidly returned by Spanish artillery, using smokeless 
powder, with the result that they promptly located our 
position by the clouds of smoke from our guns, and 
inflicted quite a severe loss upon both the brigade and 
battery, — the 1st Vol. Cavalry being principal suflerers. 

The brigade moved down the road toward Santiago, 
in rear of the 1st Cavalry Brigade, with instructions 
to deploy to the right after crossing the San Juan, and 
continue to extend to the right, reaching out toward 
General Lawton's left and holding ourselves in rear of 
the First Brigade as a support. On reaching the stream 
the 1st Volunteer Cavalry, which was in lead, crossed 
the stream with comparatively slight loss and deployed 
to the right in good order : but at about this time a 
captive balloon was led down the road in which the 
troops were massed, and finally anchored at the cross- 
ing of the stream. The approach and anchoring of the 
balloon served to indicate the line of approach of our 
troops, and to locate the ford ; and the result was a 
terrific converging artillery and rifle fire on the ford, 
which resulted in severe loss of men. Under this fire 
the 1st U.S. Cavalry and the 10th U.S. Cavalry 
crossed the stream and deployed to the right, where 
they were placed in position in rear of the First Brigade. 

We lay in this position some time, partially cov- 
ered by small rises of ground, but generally speaking 



TAKING THE HILL (WOOD'S KEPORT) 73 

exposed to a heavy dropping fire from the forts and 
block-houses. After remaining in this position for 
about an hour and one-half, the order to advance was 
given, and the brigade advanced in as good order as 
possible, but more or less broken up by the masses of 
brush and heavy grass and cactus ; passing through 
the lines of the First Brigade, mingling with them, and 
charging the hill in conjunction with these troops, as, 
well as some few infantry who had extended to the 
right. Our first objective was the hill with small red-, 
roofed house on it. This was promptly taken, and 
after short delay the brigade went forward to the right 
of the main hill covered with heavy intrenchments, 
and took it under very heavy fire, swinging around to 
the right, and flanking and taking the angle to the right 
of the hill ; our right finally resting about 800 yards to 
the right of the road passing into Santiago de Cuba. 

Here we held on under heavy fire all night, the 
enemy making repeated and fierce attempts to regain 
this lost position and works. The brigade intrenched 
itself as best it could, and before morning had covered 
itself fairly well. All during the 2d, and a portion 
of the 3d, the enemy kept up a constant fire, and 
made repeated attempts to regain this lost position on 
our front. 

In regard to the conduct of the brigade as a whole, I 
can only say that it was superb. That dismounted 
cavalry should have been able to charge regular infan- 
try in strong position, supported by artillery and the 
general lay of the land, seems almost incredible ; yet 
this is exactly what the Cavalry Division of the 5th 
Army Corps did in this fight, passing over a long zone 
of tire, and charging steep hills topped with works and 



74 THE SANTIAGO CAMPAIGN 

block-houses. Some idea of the severity of the enemy's 
tire may be gained from the fact — that of the five officers 
of the brigade staff, four were killed or wounded and 
one exhausted by the intense heat. 

In an action where every one so well performed his 
full duty, it is difficult to select cases of especial merit. 
I desire, however, to mention the following : Lt. W. 
E. Shipp, Brigade Quartermaster, killed while leading 
a charge ; Capt. M. J. Henry, shot through the leg 
while delivering an order ; Capt. A. L. Mills, shot 
through the head while assembling men for a second 
charge; Lt. J. H. Parker, 13th U.S. Infantry, for 
marked gallantry while in charge of the Gatling Gun 
Battery; Lt. J. B. Hughes, 10th Cavalry, for con- 
spicuous gallantry in handling his Hotchkiss Battery ; 
Lt.-Col. Theodore Roosevelt for conspicuous gallantry 
in leading a charge on one of the hills ; Hugo Win. 
Brittain, Troop G, 1st U.S. Cavalry, for great gallantry 
in supporting and waving the regimental standard to 
encourage and lead on the 1st under heavy fire, he 
having been wounded; Cadet E. Haskell, U.S. M. A., 
for gallantry in action, coolness, and courage, after 
being shot through the body. Lt.-Col. Viele and Lt.- 
Col. Baldwin handled their regiments with skill and 
courage, and by their example encouraged and steadied 
their men. Major Wint, 10th Cavalry, displayed 
great courage, and was severely wounded while 
repelling a charge on our front during the night of 
the 1st of July. 

I have the honor to submit herewith reports from Lt.- 
Col. Viele, Lt.-Col. Baldwin, and Lt.-Col. Roosevelt; 
also reports from one of the surgeons and various com- 
pany commanders of the regiments composing brigade. 



CAPTAIN O'NEIL AND OTHERS (WOOD'S REPORT) 75 

I desire also to invite attention to the coolness, 
courage, and gallantry of Captain Wm. O. O'Neil, 1st 
U.S. Volunteer Cavalry, killed in action. This officer 
had already been recommended for a medal of honor, 
for gallant service in attempting to rescue some drown- 
ing men of the 10th Cavalry at Daiquiri during the 
lauding. Major Webb Hayes, 5th Ohio Volunteer 
Cavalry, temporarily on duty with the brigade, did 
gallant service, — was cool and collected under fire. 
He was slightly wounded. 

The brigade took into action 75 officers and 1,446 
men ; and lost 21 officers killed and wounded, and 217 
men killed and wounded, — a loss of 26 per cent, of 
officers, and 15 per cent, of enlisted men. 

I desire also to state that Capt. McCormack, 7th 
U.S. Cavalry, on temporary duty with 1st Volunteer 
Cavalrv, rendered efficient and gallant service during 
the action until finally overcome by heat. The intense 
heat of the day and almost entire absence of wind 
added much to the difficulty of the work. 
Very respectfully, 
Leonard "Wood, Col. 1st U.S. Vol. Cavalry, 

Comm'd'g 2d Brigade, Cav. Div. 

[Endorsement :] 

Headquarters Cavalry Division, U.S. Armt, 

Before Santiago, Cuba, July 10, 1898. 

Respectfully forwarded. Colonel Wood commanded 
the 2d Brigade during the fight of July 1st and 2d. 
He showed energ}*, courage, and good judgment. I here- 
tofore recommended him for promotion to a Brigadier- 
General. He deserves the highest commendation. He 
was under the observation and direction of myself and 
of my staff during the battle. 

Jos. Wheeler, 
Maj.-Gen. U.S. Vols., Commd'g. 



76 THE SANTIAGO CAMPAIGN 

Lieutenant-Colonel Theodore Roosevelt re- 
ported as follows, concerning' the part taken 
by his command in this battle: 

Trenches outside Santiago, July 4, 1898. 

Col. Leonard Wood, 

Commanding 2d Cavalry Brigade: 

Sir : On July 1st the regiment with myself in com- 
mand was moved out by your orders, directly follow- 
ing the First Brigade. Before leaving the camping- 
ground several of our men were wounded by shrapnel. 
After crossing the river at the ford we were moved 
along and up its right bank, under tire, and were held 
in reserve at a sunk road. Here we lost a good many 
men, including Captain O'Neil killed and Lieutenant 
Haskell wounded. 

We then received your order to advance and support 
the regular cavalry in the attack on the intrench- 
ments and block-houses on the hills to the left. The 
regiment was deployed on both sides of the road, and 
moved forward until we came to the rearmost lines of 
the regulars. We continued to move forward until I 
ordered a charge ; and the men rushed the block-house 
and rifle-pits on the hill to the right of our advance. 
They did the work in line shape, though suffering 
severely ; the guidons of Troops E and G were first 
planted on the summit, though the first men up were 
some A and B troopers who were with me. We then 
opened tire on the intrenehments on a hill to our left, 
which some of the other regiments were assailing, and 
which they carried a few minutes later. Meanwhile 
we were under a heavy rifle fire from the intreneh- 
ments along the hills to our front, from which they 



OX THE LINE (ROOSEVELT'S REPORT) 77 

also shelled us with a piece of field artillery until 
some of our marksmen silenced it. "When the men 
got their wind we charged again, and carried the 
second line of intrenchments with a rush. Swinging 
to the left, we then drove the Spaniards over the brow 
of the chain of hills fronting Santiago. By this time 
the regiments were much mixed, and we were under a 
very heavy lire, both of shrapnel and fine rifles, from 
the batteries, intrenchments, and forts immediately in 
front of the city. 

On the extreme front I now found myself in com- 
mand, with fragments of the six cavalry regiments of 
the two brigades under me. The Spaniards made one 
or two efforts to retake the line, but were promptly 
driven back. Both General Sumner and you sent me 
word to hold the line at all hazard, and that night we 
dug a line of intrenchments across our front, using the 
captured Spanish intrenching-tools. We had nothing 
to eat except what we captured from the Spaniards ; 
but their dinner had fortunately been cooked, and we 
ate theirs with relish, having been fighting all day. 
We had no blankets or coats, and lay by the trenches 
all night. 

The Spaniards attacked us once in the night, and at 
dawn they opened a heavy artillery and rifle fire. 
Very great assistance was rendered us by Lieutenant 
Parker's Gatling Battery at critical moments; he 
fought his guns at the extreme front of the firing-line 
in a way that repeatedly called forth the cheers of my 
men. 

One of the Spanish batteries which was used 
against us was directly in front of the hospital, so that 
the Red Cross flag flew over the battery, saving it 
from our fire for a considerable period. The Spanish 



78 THE SANTIAGO CAMPAIGN 

Mauser bullets made clean wounds ; but the}- also used 
a copper-jacketed or brass-jacketed bullet which ex- 
ploded, making very bad wounds indeed. 

Since then we have continued to hold the ground. 
The food has been short, and until to-day Ave could 
not get any blankets, coats, or shelter-tents ; while 
the men lay all day under the lire from the Spanish 
batteries, intrenchments, and guerillas in trees, and 
worked all night in the trenches, never even taking 
off their shoes ; but they are in excellent spirits, 
and ready and anxious to carry out any orders they 
receive. 

At the end of the first day the eight troops were 
commanded, two by captains, three by 1st lieuten- 
ants, two by 2d lieutenants, and one by the sergeant 
whom you made acting lieutenant. We went into 
the fight about 490 strong ; 8<o men were killed or 
wounded, and there are still half a dozen missing. 
The great heat prostrated nearly forty men, some of 
them among the best in the regiment. Besides Captain 
O'Neil and Lieutenant Haskell, Lieutenants Lcaby, 
Devereux, and Carr were wounded. All behaved with 
great gallantry. 

As for Captain O'Neil, his loss is one of the severest 
that could have befallen the regiment. He was a man 
of cool head, great executive capacity, and literally 
dauntless courage. 

The guerillas in trees not only fired at our troops, 
but seemed to devote themselves especially to shooting 
at the surgeons, the hospital assistants with Red Cross 
badges on their arms, the wounded who were being 
carried on litters, and the burying-parties. Many of 
these guerillas were dressed in green uniforms. We 
sent out a detail of sharp-shooters among those in our 



INDIVIDUAL VALOR (ROOSEVELT'S REPORT) 79 

rear, along the line where they had been shooting the 
wounded, and killed thirteen. 

To attempt to give a list of the men who showed 
signal valor, would necessitate sending in an almost 
complete roster of the regiment. Many of the cases 
which I mention stand merely as examples : Captain 
Jenkins acted as major, and showed such conspicuous 
gallantry and efficiency that I earnestly hope he may 
be promoted to major as soon as a vacancy occurs. 
Of the rest, not as exceptions, Captains Lewellen, 
Muller, and Luna led their troops throughout the 
charges, handling them admirably. At the end of the 
battle Lieutenants Kane, Greenwood, and Goodrich 
were in charge of their troops, immediately under my 
eye, and I wish particularly to commend their conduct 
throughout. Lieutenant Franz, who commanded his 
troop, also did well. Corporals Waller and Fortescue, 
and trooper McKinley of Troop E, Corporal Rhoads of 
Troop D, troopers Albertson, Winter, McGregor, and 
Ray Clark of Troop F, troopers Rugbee, Jackson, and 
Waller of Troop A, Trumpeter McDonald of Troop L, 
Sergeant Hughes of Troop B, and trooper Gerien, 
G Troop, all continued to fight after being wounded, 
some very severely ; most of them fought until the end 
of the day. Trooper Oliver B. Norton of B, who with 
his brother was by my side throughout the charging, 
was killed while fighting with marked gallantry. Ser- 
geant Ferguson, Corporal Lee, and troopers Bell and 
Carroll of Troop K, Sergeant Dame of Troop E, 
troopers Goodwin Campbell and Dudley Dean and 
Trumpeter Foster of B, and troopers Greenwald and 
Bardshas of A, are all worthy of special mention for 
coolness and gallantry ; they merit promotion when the 
opportunity comes. 



30 THE SANTIAGO CAMPAIGN 

But the most conspicuous gallantry was shown by 
trooper Rouland. He was wounded in the side in 
our first fight, but kept in the firing-line ; he was sent 
to the hospital next day, but left it and marched out 
to us, overtaking us, and fought all through this bat- 
tle with such indifference to danger that I was forced 
again and again to rate and threaten him for running 
needless risk. 

Great gallantry was also shown by four troopers 
whom I cannot identify, and by trooper Winston Clark 
of G. It was after we had taken the first hill. I had 
called out to rush the second, and, having by that time 
lost my horse, climbed a wire fence and started towards 
it. After going a couple of hundred }^ards under 
a heavy fire, I found that no one else had come : as I 
discovered later, it was simply because in the confu- 
sion, with men shooting and being shot, they had not 
noticed me start. I told the five men to wait a 
moment — as it might be misunderstood if we all ran 
back — until I ran back and started the regiment ; and 
as soon as I did so the regiment came with a rush. 
But meanwhile the five men coolly lay down in the 
open, returning the fire from the trenches. It is to be 
wondered at that only Clark was seriously wounded ; 
and he called out as we passed again to lay his can- 
teen where he could get it, but to continue the charge 
and leave him where he was. All the wounded had to 
be left until after the fight, for we could spare no men 
from the firing-line. 

Very respect fully, 

Theodore Roosevelt, 
Lieut.-Col. U.S. Volunteer Cav. 



TOTAL ARMY STRENGTH 81 

[Endorsement .•] Headquarters Cavalry Division, 
Near Santiago de Cuba. 
Respectfully forwarded. Col. Roosevelt and his entire 
command deseiwe high commendation. I call special 
attention to Col. Roosevelt's recommendation re^ardino- 
Capt. O'Xeil ; Lieuts. Haskell, Leaby, Devereaux and 
Can*. Also his commendation of Capt. Jenkins, Lieuts. 
Kane, Greenwood, Goodrich, and Franz. Also Corpls 
Waller and Fortesque, and Pvte McKinley, Ti-oop E; 
Corpl Rhoads, troopers Albertson, Winter, McGregor, 
and Ray Clark of Troop F ; troopers Rugbee, Jackson, and 
Waller, Troop A; Trumpt. McDonald, Troop L; Sgt 
Hughes, Troop B ; Gerien, Troop G ; Oliver B. Norton, 
Troop B ; Sgt Ferguson, Corpl Lee, troopers Bell and 
Carroll, Troop K ; Sgt Damy, Troop E ; troopers Good- 
win, Campbell and Dudley Dean, Trpt. Foster, Troop B ; 
troopers Greenwald and Bardshas, Troop A ; and special 
commendation of troopers Rouland and Winston Clark 
of Troop G. I concur in these recommendations. 

Joseph Wheeler, 
Major- General U.S. Vols., Commanding. 

General Kent's report of his entire strength 
the clay before the battle of July 1st, was 235 
officers and 4,869 men. The strength of the 
Cavalry Division was 127 officers and 2,522 men: 
making the entire strength of the command 
which fought the Battle of San Juan, 362 
officers and 7,391 men. The balance of the 
army, — consisting of Lawton's Division, 5,280 
men ; Bates' Brigade, 1,064 men ; artillery and 
mounted cavalry, 150 men, and some 400 Cubans : 
in all, 6,889 men, — were fighting under General 
Lawton at El Caney. The rest of the Cubans, 
some 4,000 strong, had marched off to meet the 
Spanish force under General Escario. 



CHAPTER VII 

CONCERNING THE REGULARS AND THE VOLUNTEERS IN 

ACTION " HARPER'S WEEKLY " ON DUE CREDIT 

TO THE PERMANENT OR THE TEMPORARY SOLDIER 

CONDUCT OF THE SEVENTY-FIRST NEW YORK 

MUCH has been said regarding the action 
of the volunteers and the regulars. We 
must be fair, just, and honest in this thing. 
The volunteers deserve great credit for aban- 
doning, as many of them did, high positions 
with large salaries, and comfortable and in 
many cases luxurious homes, and coming to 
the front to serve their country. They were 
brave, determined, and chivalrous men, but 
the truth impels me to say that in effectiveness 
in battle they could not be expected to be equal 
to trained regular soldiers. These men had 
been superbly drilled. They and their officers 
had been trained to estimate distances with 
wonderful accuracy, which enabled them to adjust 
their sights; and, having been drilled as marks- 
men, they had become experts to a wonderful 
degree. Consequently, when the battle com- 
menced, each regular moved forward with pre- 



"BOUGH RIDERS'" MARKSMANSHIP 83 

cision, and halted on his knee at every favor- 
able opportunity. They were told by the offi- 
cers the distance of the enemy, and every shot 
from them was from an expert and accurate 
marksman. The consequence was, that their 
fire was most deadly and effective. Many of the 
Rough Riders were also good marksmen, but 
they had not been drilled to use the kind of rifles 
with which thej 7 were armed; and it is also true 
that many of them had never shot a rifle of any 
kind in their lives, and, while they went forward 
with courage and determination, their fire was 
not as effective as that of the regulars. 

"Harper's Weekly" of July 9th contains an 
editorial which treats this subject in a fair and 
conservative manner. It is as follows: 

There is no desire on our part to lessen in the 
smallest degree the great credit that is due the vol- 
unteer soldiers, and which is always theirs whenever 
the country engages in war, for our citizens make 
good soldiers quickly. Crying injustice, however, is 
done to the regular army by the press and the war- 
correspondents, as well as by the politicians. The 
country has received splendid service from the regular 
army in every war, and our officers who have won the 
greatest distinction have, in most instances, been the 
graduates of West Point. These instructed soldiers 
show their education at the very outset of the war, 
and while the volunteers are learning the wisdom of 
prudence by hard experience, the regulars are practis- 
ing it. To read the accounts of the battle on the 



84 THE SANTIAGO CAMPAIGN 

heights of Sevilla, one would think thai none but the 
"Rough Riders " had been engaged in it : but the regu- 
lavs were doing just as effective work, and doing it in 
a more businesslike and prudent way. We would not 
for a moment wish that any word which has been said 
in praise of the volunteers had been left unsaid : but if 
those who are writing of this war could only know the 
bitter discouragement of the regular officers, who de- 
vote their whole lives to the service of their country, 
due to the manner in which they are treated by the 
newspapers and the politicians, we think they would 
dwell a little more on the deeds of the regulars. It is 
not in human nature to remain content under such in- 
justice as is habitually done to the regular army. We 
know, of course, why politicians and their favorites 
succeed in securing commissions for themselves and 
their civilian relatives and friends in preference to de- 
serving soldiers, but why is it that the newspapers and 
their correspondents refuse to give credit to the regu- 
lars ? It will not cause the volunteers any grief, we 
know, if their professional brethren receive what they 
earn. Why not be just to the American soldier, 
whether he be serving the country permanently or 
temporarily ? 

The 71st New York was composed of most 
magnificent material, including some of the lead- 
ing people of the city of New York. 

Gen. Frank Green told me that more than 
three hundred of that regiment had never fired a 
rifle or gun of any kind. They were armed 
with the Springfield rifle, which we now call an 
inferior weapon. An uninstructed soldier, by 



THE NEW YORK VOLUNTEERS AT SAN JUAN 85 

failing to adjust properly the sight of this gun, 
might aim accurately at an enemy twelve hun- 
dred yards off and yet the bullet would strike the 
ground six hundred yards short of the mark. 
This shows the difficulty undrilled marksmen 
would have in using this gun effectively. What 
made matters worse was that all the volunteer 
infantry regiments were furnished with black- 
powder ammunition, which creates a dense smoke, 
thereby disclosing your position to the enemy. 

I append as a note an article defending this 
regiment. 1 It is from the New York " Herald " 
of July 14th, and is a reply to some unfriendly 

1 Officers and men of the 71st New York Regiment are intensely mor- 
tified by the reports sent from here by some correspondents, reflecting 
adversely on the conduct of the regiment in action, and particularly 
branding some of the officers for cowardice. 

I am perfectly familiar with the circumstances upon which these 
charges were founded, and unhesitatingly pronounce them unjustified. 
In the first general engagement before Santiago, the 71st was among 
the first regiments deployed in the wooded valley which was swept 
by fire from the San Juan block-house and trenches, but afterward 
carried by our troops. When shrapnel from the Spanish artillery 
suddenly commenced bursting over our troops, they were crowded 
along the narrow road which wound through underbrush. 

Just then I passed through the lines of the 71st while seeking a 
road to get to El Caney, where the sound of artillery announced that 
the action had already begun. Thus the conduct of the regiment at 
this time, on which the criticism is based, came directly under my 
observation. It is true that one battalion showed nervousness. It was 
the first time it had been under fire, and it showed an inclination to get 
out of the range of shrapnel without waiting for orders, and began to 
retire. This confusion was only momentary, and the battalion quickly 
regained presence of mind and marched forward into the thick of the 
fight. The other battalions never wavered. In fact, the conduct of 
the leading battalion throughout the battle excited the warm commen- 
dation of regular army officers the next day. General Kent, with 
whose division the 71st is connected, praised the regiment and its 



86 THE SANTIAGO CAMPAIGN 

criticisms regarding the conduct of this regi- 
ment in the battle of July 1st. That a portion 
of the regiment acted in a most creditable and 
gallant manner will be gladly testified to by all 
who were in that part of the field during the 
engagement. 

conduct while speaking to me, and said that in the next engagement 
it would equal the regulars. 

There is no denying that after the battle many privates of the 71st 
severely criticised the conduct of some of their own officers. This 
criticism, from what I learned the day after the battle while canvassing 
the subject thoroughly, might have been justified in some instances 
relative to the handling of troops under fire, but it is decidedly unfair 
to make a charge of cowardice. 

On the whole the 71st behaved creditably, and will do even better in 
the future. It now occupies an advanced position on our right, where 
the heavy fighting is most likely to occur. It is armed with Spring- 
field rifles and it is at a decided disadvantage, but the average material 
in the regiment is as good as any in the army. — From the "Herald 's " 
Special Correspondent, with the Army before Santiago. 



CHAPTER VIII 

ADMIRABLE DEFENCES OF SANTIAGO : THE PUNTA GORDA 

AND SOCAPA BATTERIES PLAN OF EXTENDING OUR 

RIGHT AROUND THE CITY GENERAL BLANCO AND 

ADMIRAL CERVERA SEE THEIR PREDICAMENT THE 

ATTEMPTED FLIGHT AND THE DESTRUCTION OF CER- 
VERA'S FLEET WORD FROM DEWEY 

THE defences of Santiago were certainly 
constructed with commendable engineering 
skill. Immediately following the fight of July 
1st and 2d, I made a most careful investigation 
of the forts which defended the city. With a 
very powerful glass I viewed them from every 
possible point, to accomplish which I selected 
places from which to view them on all sides of 
the city. This investigation convinced me, and 
I so reported, that to take the city by assault 
would cost us at least three thousand men. An 
examination of the works after having taken the 
city fully confirmed me in this; and General 
Shafter, in his report regarding the works, after 
the city was captured, informed the War De- 
partment that an assault would have cost us five 
thousand men. 



88 THE SANTIAGO CAMPAIGN 

The batteries in the harbor were also con- 
structed with commendable engineering skill. 
The Punta Gorda Battery is built upon a high 
promontory, three sides of which are upon the 
sea and the fourth side upon a low, marshy place 
which at high tides is also covered with water. 
The battery consists of two 16-centimeter 
breech-loading modern guns and two small 
breech-loading guns of the same character. 
These guns point directly down the bay, and 
they could concentrate their fire upon anything 
approaching, for some two or three miles. The 
approach by land is defended by very strong 
breastworks on the top of the hill, and also 
upon the swamp. If properly defended, a suc- 
cessful assault would have been very difficult. 

The Socapa Battery is also built upon a high 
promontory, which is a peninsula; its arma- 
ment consists of two modern 16-centimeter 
breech-loading guns and three very large rifle 
muzzle-loading mortars. They all face south, 
directly out to sea. The approach to this from 
the regular landing is guarded by forts armed 
with rapid-fire guns, and the approach from the 
west is guarded by a block-house surrounded 
by strong earthworks; and further on and 
nearer the battery is another line of very strong 
breastworks. This fort, if properly defended, 
could be held against anything except the most 
determined attack. Wire entanglements are 
also used for the defence of this position. 



OUR CENTER WELL ESTABLISHED 89 

The ridge upon which our army was situated 
was very favorably located. We overlooked the 
city and could readily see their fortifications and 
the barbed-wire fences which they had put up as 
an additional means of defence. San Juan River 
and other streams ran back of and parallel to a 
great part of the ridge and adjacent to all parts 
of it, so that we were abundantly supplied with 
water for all purposes. I therefore advocated 
the plan of extending our right around the city, 
which was done in the first instance by thinning 
our lines and continually spreading them to the 
right; and finally the arrival of reinforcements 
enabled us to lengthen the line by placing the 
new troops in position. 

The enemy very soon perceived that the 
gradual increase of our forces would make this 
inclosure so complete that escape would be im- 
possible, and this would place their army and 
their fleet under Admiral Cervera at our mercy. 
General Blanco and Admiral Cervera both 
seemed to realize this, and in order to save their 
fleet it sailed out on Sunday morning, July 3d. 
The utter destruction of the fleet by our navy 
was most magnificently accomplished. 

The Spanish fleet was here composed of the 
armored cruisers Abnirante Oquendo, Infanta 
Maria Teresa, Vizcaya, Cristobal Colon, the 
Reina Mercedes, and the torpedo-boat destroyers 
Furor, Terror, and Pluton. The armored cruisers 
were 7,000-ton ships, all of them larger and in 



By way of correction on page 89 it should be 
noted that the torpedo-boat destroyer Terror left 
Spam with Cervera's fleet, but was stopped at San 
Juan de Puerto Rico, and never reached Santiago 



harbor. — J. W. 



90 THE SANTIAGO CAMPAIGN 

some respects more powerful than the battleship 
Maine. Their speed was twenty knots an hour, 
their armament was of the best; and taking 
them all in all they were classed among the best 
battleships in the world. The torpedo-boat de- 
stroyers were the highest order of ships of that 
character. The Pluton ran thirty knots an hour, 
and the Furor and Terror had attained the speed 
of twenty-eight knots. The Terror had been 
previously destroyed, and the Pluton and Furor 
were sunk on July 3d. 

In order to give the reader a fuller description 
of the character of the ships which composed 
the fleet of Admiral Cervera, I incorporate the 
following item from the New York "Sun" of 
July 4, 1898: 

Cervera's squadron was made up of four armored 
cruisers, three torpedo-boat destroyers, and several 
other vessels, when he left Spain. The most formida- 
ble vessels were the four armored cruisers, fine exam- 
ples of the armored-cruiser type. They were the 
Almirante Oquendo, the Infanta Maria Teresa, the 
Vizcaya, and the Cristobal Colon. The first three 
were sister ships, built at Bilboa, Spain, and launched 
in 1890 and 1891. Their cost was given as $3,000,000 
each. 

These cruisers were 7,000-ton ships, somewhat 
larger than the battleship Maine. Their water-line 
lemrth was 340 feet, beam (55 feet, maximum draught 
21 feet o inches, indicated horse-power 13,000, and 



ARMAMENT OF CERVERA'S FLEET 91 

speed 20 knots. This speed they attained in their 
trial speeds, but when inefficient Spanish engineers 
took hold of them they could not develop any such 
speed as this. Their normal coal supply was 12,000 
tons, and their complement 500 men each. 

Heavy armor protected the machinery of the cruis- 
ers. They had steel water-line belts 315 feet long, 5£ 
feet broad, and from 10 to 12 inches thick. The two 
turrets on each ship were constructed of 9-inch steel. 
The gun positions of the broadside guns were pro- 
tected by armor 10£ inches thick, and the deck-plating 
was 3 inches thick. In armor these ships were far 
superior to our armored cruisers New York and Brook- 
lyn. The Brooklyn's thickest belt armor is 7 inches 
thick, and on the gun positions the thickest is 8 inches. 

This trio of cruisers carried heavy armaments. In 
turrets, forward and aft, each ship mounted 11-inch 
breech-loading rifles. In addition, each mounted 
ten 52-inch guns. The Oquendo and Maria Teresa 
5^-inch guns were Hontoria guns, but the Vizcaya 
had rapid-fire guns. Each ship carried a number of 
small guns, and was equipped with six torpedo-tubes. 
Spain had trouble in buying torpedoes before the 
war opened, — the country has no facilities for mak- 
ing torpedoes, — and it is doubtful if the ships in 
Santiago de Cuba harbor were adequately equipped 
with torpedoes. 

The Cristobal Colon was one of the newest ships in 
the Spanish navy. She was built at Sestri Potente 
by the Italian government, and launched in 1896. 
Her name was then the Giuseppe Garibaldi II. , replac- 
ing a previous ship by that name. Spain paid several 
million dollars for her, and named her the Cristobal 



92 THE SANTIAGO CAMPAIGN 

Colon in memory of the cruiser by that name lost 
near Cape San Antonio, Cuba, in October, 1895. 
She was a 6,840-ton ship, 388 feet on the water-line, 
59 feet 8 inches beam, and 24 feet draught. Her 
indicated horse-power was 14,000, her trial speed 20 
knots, maximum coal supply 1,000 tons, and comple- 
ment 450 men. 

The Cristobal Colon's armament consisted of two 
10-inch turreted guns, ten 6-inch rapid-fire guns, and 
six 4.7-inch, ten 2.2-inch, ten 1.4-inch, and two 
machine guns. She also carried four torpedo-tubes. 
Her armor consisted of a 6-inch water-line belt, 6 
inches on the gun positions, and a 1^-inch deck. The 
heavy armor was of Harvey ized steel. 

The torpedo-boat destroyers were fine Clyde-bank 
boats — the Furor and Terror, launched in 1896, and 
the Pluton, launched last year. The first two were 
capable of developing the remarkable speed of 28 
knots an hour, and the Pluton was credited with 30 
knots. No boats in the American navy now in com- 
mission approached them in speed. The Furor's and 
Terror's principal dimensions were : Length, 220 feet ; 
beam, 22 feet; draught, 5.6 feet; displacement, 300 
tons ; coal capacity, 100 tons ; complement, 67 men ; 
armament, two 12-pounders, two 6-pounders, and 
two 1-pounders. The Pluton was a larger boat, regis- 
tering 400 tons and having an indicated horse-power 
of 7,500, — 1,500 greater than the others. 

The naval battle commenced about 9.30 Sun- 
day morning, July 3d. The torpedo-boat de- 
stroyers were foundered, the tops of their masts 
sinking below the surface. The Reina Mercedes 



THE FLEET DESTROYED 93 

already lay in the harbor-mouth, almost sub- 
merged, where she had been sunk by our navy. 
The Infanta Maria Teresa and Almirayite 
Oauendo kept up a running fight westward about 
five miles, when they succumbed, turned towards 
the shore, the fire streaming from their decks ; they 
surrendered, and our navy devoted itself to sav- 
ing the lives of the Spanish sailors. The Vizcaya 
ran some six miles further; but being unable to 
continue the fight, yielded to the same fate 
as her sister ships. The Cristobal Colon, by 
virtue of her great speed, escaped for a while, 
but after a run of fifty miles was overtaken and 
captured. A few days afterwards I visited all 
these ships except the Cristobal Colon. 1 It is 
generally conceded that the Reina Mercedes can- 
not be raised and repaired to advantage. The 
Infanta Maria Teresa, although completely 
burnt out, has already been floated by the " Mer- 
ritt Wrecking Company," and will be repaired 
sufficiently to become an American man-of-war. 2 
The Cristobal Colon will also be constructed 
into an American ship; but the Vizcaya and 
Almirante Oquendo are structurally injured to 
such an extent that the only use that can be 
made of them would be to place them in some 
harbor as hospital ships or as historical monu- 
ments. 

1 For an account of this visit, see pp. 184-187. 

2 Others have since been raised, or will soon be raised by the skil- 
ful plans of Lieutenant Hobson, who now (October 10th) has the work 
in charge. 



94 THE SANTIAGO CAMPAIGN 

Admiral Sampson telegraphed the Secretary 
of the INavy as follows: 

Siboney, July 3. 
Secretary or the Navy : 

The fleet under my command offers the Nation as 
a Fourth of July present the destruction of the whole 
of Cervera's fleet. Not one escaped. They attempted 
to escape at 9.30 this morning. At 2, the last ship, 
the Cristobal Colon, had run ashore sixty miles west 
of Santiago and had let down her colors. The Maria 
Teresa, Oquendo, and Vizcaya were forced ashore, 
burned, and blown up within twenty miles of Santiago. 
The Furor and Pluton were destroyed within four 
miles of the port. Loss, one killed and two wounded. 
Enemy's loss probably several hundred, from gun- 
powder explosions and drowning. About one thousand 
three hundred prisoners, including Admiral Cervera. 
The man killed was George H. Ellis, Chief Yeoman 
of the Brooklyn. Sampson. 

To which the President and the Secretary of 
the Navy replied as follows: 

Executive Mansion, July 4, 12.30 p.m. 
Admiral Sampson: 

You have the gratitude and congratulations of the 
whole American people. Convey to your noble offi- 
eers and crews, through whose valor new honors have 
been added to the American navy, the grateful thanks 
and appreciation of the Nation. 

^^ILLIAM McKlNLEY. 



WATSON'S DESPATCH 95 

Navy Department, July 4. 
Admiral Sampson : 

The Secretary of the Navy sends you and every offi- 
cer and man of your fleet, remembering equally your 
dead comrades, grateful acknowledgment of your hero- 
ism and success. All honor to the brave ! You have 
maintained the glory of the American navy. 

John D. Long. 

Commander Watson, in charge while Sampson 
continued the chase, sent the following despatch : 

Plata del Este, July 3. 
Secretary of the Navy, 
Washington, D.C. : 

At 9.30 a.m., to-day, the Spanish squadron, seven 
in all, including one gunboat, came out of Santiago in 
column, and was totally destroyed within an hour, 
excepting Cristobal Colon, which was chased forty-five 
miles to the westward by the commander-in-chief, 
Brooklyn, Oregon, and Texas, surrendering to Brook- 
lyn, but was beached to prevent sinking. None of our 
officers or men were injured except on board Brook- 
lyn. Chief Yeoman Ellis was killed and one man 
wounded. Admiral Cervera, all commandino- officers 
excepting of Oquendo, about 70 other officers, and 
1,600 men are prisoners. About 350 killed or 
drowned, and 160 wounded. Latter being cared for 
on Solace and Olivette. Have just arrived oil' Santiago 
in Marblehead, to take charge while commander-in- 
chief is looking out for Cristobal Colon. 

Watson. 



96 THE SANTIAGO CAMPAIGN 

I also give the report of Admiral Cervera to 
his commander, General Blanco: 

To the General-in-Chief, 
Havana : 
In compliance with your orders, I went out yester- 
day from Santiago de Cuba with all the squadron, and, 
after an unequal combat against forces more than triple 
mine, had all my squadron destroyed by fire ; the 
Maria Teresa, Oqitendo, and Vizcaya beached, and the 
Colon fleeing. I accordingly informed the Americans, 
and went ashore and gave myself up. The torpedo- 
chasers foundered. I do not know how many people 
are lost, but it will surely reach six hundred dead and 
many wounded. Although not in such great numbers, 
the living are prisoners of the Americans. The con- 
duct of the crew rose to a height that won the most 
enthusiastic plaudits of the enemy. The commander 
of the Vizcaya surrendered his vessel. His crew are 
very grateful for the noble generosity with which 
they are treated. Among the dead is Villamil, and 
I believe Lazaga, and among the wounded Cancas 
and Eulate. We have lost all, and are necessarily 
depressed. 

Cervera. 



As I was not a personal witness of the naval 
battle by which Cervera's fleet was destroyed, 
I will insert the account written by a naval officer 
who participated; which account appeared in 
the New York « Herald " of July 7, 1898. It 
is as follows: 



THE "HERALD'S" STOKY 97 

" In anticipation of a great battle between the 
American fleet and the Cape Verde squadrons, 
commanded by Admiral Cervera, the r Herald ' 
secured the services of an expert naval authority 
on board one of the battleships to write a tech- 
nical description of the fight when it occurred. 
The writer is well known to the ? Herald,' and 
it is therefore able to vouch for its authenticity: 

" On Board U.S. S. Iowa, off Santiago, July 4. 
By Despatch Boat to Port Antonio, July 6. 

" On Sunday morning, July 3d, our watching 
ships lay rolling in the easy surges off the 
entrance of the harbor of Santiago. Their dis- 
tances from the guarded haven varied from four 
to six thousand yards, and there, with an un- 
sparing alertness, they waited for that promised 
dash which all hoped for, but feared might never 
come. 

K A little after three bells in the forenoon watch 
the inspection of the ship had been concluded, 
and as Lieutenant Van Duzer, the officer of the 
watch, was relieving the navigating officer, Lieu- 
tenant Scheutze, then officer of the deck, he 
heard a quick cry to call the captain, followed 
by a shout, r There come the Spaniards out of 
the harbor ! ' 

" The trained eye of the alert officer had marked 
the thin trail of drifting smoke, and before the 
signal r Clear ship for action " had been given, 
the bows of the Spanish vessels, rushing in ? Line 



98 THE SANTIAGO CAMPAIGN 

ahead,' were seen darting around Socapa Point 
for the open sea. 

" In a moment all was bustle and trained energy. 
Men rushed to their quarters, guns were trained, 
and in less than twenty seconds the whistling 
shriek of a rapid-fire gun warned the startled fleet 
of the hot work awaiting. In two minutes every 
gun on shipboard was cast loose, manned, loaded, 
and ready for the long-expected signal to fire. 

" At the yard-arm of our battleship a string of 
signal flags warned the fleet the enemy was 
trying to escape ; but even before the answering 
pennants of the other ships announced their 
understanding of the message, every vessel was 
dashing to the stations long before allotted for 
the emergency which had come at last. 

" It was a splendid spectacle. The Spaniards, 
with bottled steam, cleared the harbor's mouth 
seemingly in a moment. Under their eager 
prows a column of foam whitened the long bil- 
lows, and their bubbling wakes left a farrow as 
straight and sharp as a racing yacht making a 
winning run for the finish line. 

" Their course was shaped for the westward ; 
but fast as they sped in their desperate break 
for freedom, faster flew the shells of the pursuing 
Americans. The first heavy shell from the 
Iowa's battery fell short, and then, by a lucky 
mischance, so did the second ; but afterward 
the rain of shot fell surely and unsparingly upon 
the fleeing foe. 



THE "HERALD'S" STORY 99 

"!N~ot a whit behind in this eager fusilade 
roared the batteries of the Spanish ships. 
Their port broadsides flamed and grumbled, but 
it was more a splendid display of fireworks than 
a successful effort to damage the unharmed tar- 
gets of the Yankee ships. In fifteen minutes 
after they were discovered the four Spanish 
armored cruisers had cleared the wide entrance, 
and five minutes later the torpedo-boat destroy- 
ers, hugging the beach and seeking the shelter- 
ing broadside of their sister ships, flew into the 
turmoil of the action. 

"At this time every gun of the American 
squadron that could be brought to bear was 
pumping projectiles into the enemy. In an in- 
stant, it almost seemed, one ship of the Vizcaya 
class burst into flames, caused, undoubtedly, by 
a long, sure shot from the Oregon or the Texas. 

" A minute later a 12-inch projectile sent from 
the Iowa's forward turret struck the flagship 
Maria Teresa near her after smoke-pipe. A 
tremendous explosion followed. Then she was 
shrouded in smoke and was lighted with lurid 
flames; and then when the powder-cloud blew 
down the wind she was seen helm hard a-port 
rushing for the beach. 

" Twenty-five minutes after the first ship had 
been sighted, half the Spanish fleet had surren- 
dered or was on fire. 

" As our vessels rushed toward them every ship 
was hulled time and again ; and it almost seemed, 



100 THE SANTIAGO CAMPAIGN 

in the sureness and directness of our batteries, 
as if it were the target practice of a summer 
morning, and not the annihilation of a squadron. 

: ' Even this interval would have been shortened 
measurably, for, aiding- them and hindering us, 
was the cloud of smoke, which concealed and at 
the best only half revealed the wrecked enemy. 

" It was a grand, sad sight, a pathetic one to 
seamen, who know how much patient thought 
and patriotic effort had gone into the construc- 
tion of these splendid vessels, now lying, bruised 
and burning, on the shores they had hoped to 
defend. 

" There was no time, however, to indulge in 
emotions of sympathy or of pity, for still rushing 
eagerly westward, closely followed by the New 
York, and at a further distance by the Indiana, 
came the torpedo-boat destroyers. 

" In the hot eagerness of destruction we turned 
loose our smaller guns on these loudly heralded 
and ineffective craft, and finally by a lucky hit 
dropped a 12-inch shell into the bow of the lead- 
ing destroyer. At the same instant the little 
Hist was rapidly closing upon them, pouring a 
sickening fire into their fragile hulls. 

* The Gloucester joined in this splendid assault, 
and so sure and so effective was their raid of 
rapid-fire projectiles that both torpedo boats 
swung their helms hard a-port, ran for the shore, 
and buried what was left of them among the piti- 
less rocks of the coast. 



THE "HERALD'S" STORY 101 

"By a quarter past ten we were in full cry 
after the other Spanish ships, then about four 
miles ahead, and busy with hot replies to the 
determined assault of the Oregon, Texas, and 
Brooklyn. 

" Bending every energy to overtake the Colon, 
which was then five miles away and perhaps 
two miles ahead in a direct line, and a mile and 
a half further in shore, we picked up the flying 
Vizcaya. 

" The game must have seemed up to her then, 
for with a quick turn to starboard she ran shore- 
ward, and we saw in an instant that she was 
flaming fore and aft. A beautiful Spanish flag- 
floating from her gaff, and another higher still 
from her main topmast head, showed her to be 
the flagship of the second in command. She 
lagged heavily in the water ; no longer did she 
carry a bone in her teeth, and her foaming wake 
was gone. 

:? When we drew near we saw something had 
gone amiss with her, for just as we swung with 
a touch of our helm to give her a finishing 
broadside, the beautiful flags drifted from truck 
and gaff end and the white flag of surrender 
went up, and the cheers of our ship went with it. 

:f We stopped our engines when close aboard, 
and hoisted out our boats to save her people. 
We received on board two hundred and fifty of 
her crew, the Hist took another hundred, and 
that was all that was left of them: for the other 



102 THE SANTIAGO CAMPAIGN 

hapless sailors were lying dead and wounded 
on her burning decks. 

" The conflagration aboard this ship was as- 
tounding; and even now, when the opportunity 
for calm reflection has come, it is impossible to 
explain where so much inflammable material 
could have been collected on board an armored 
vessel. Through the air-ports and gun-ports 
of the doomed ship quivering fires shone with a 
blood-red light upon the light woodwork of the 
bridge and upper deck, and long tongues of 
flame licked the towering masts. 

" Over the ship a cloud of rosy light hovered, 
and when, after a time, the explosions of the free 
powder were added, great volumes of smoke 
shut out the sky. Several explosions of terrific 
force followed; but notwithstanding this, and 
while the flames were still quivering through 
every outlet and encircling the hull, our boats 
were busy with the rescue of the unfortunate 
wounded and those more lucky survivors who 
had sought the water or the shore as their only 
refuge from a dreadful death. 

"The glorious Texas, no longer the 'hoodoo' 
of the fleet, gave its principal attention to the 
Vizcaya, and one of her 12-inch shells, smash- 
ing through the fire-room of the Spaniard, 
caused her to make that quick turn to the shore 
which at first we did not understand. 

"The New York was so fin- to the eastward 
that she had a long chase and a stern chase 



THE "HERALD'S" STORY 103 

before she got into the action, and she passed us 
just after the Vizcaya surrendered. She made 
a splendid marine picture as she rushed eagerly 
by in a hot chase after the Colon; and as she 
shot past, we gave Sampson cheer after cheer, 
and cheer after cheer came back to us from as 
gallant a crew as ever served a gun or fed a 
roaring furnace. 

" Some of the crew swam to the beach ; but, 
finding the hostile shores commanded by alert 
parties of Cuban soldiers, they fought in a mad 
endeavor to get on board the ships' boats rather 
than surrender to an enemy whom they knew to 
be pitiless. Every officer and man on the Iowa 
gave clothes of some sort to the rescued sailors, 
and their reception must have taught them that 
the despised Yankee was not the inhuman brute 
their officers had pictured. 

" The paymaster's stores of the ship were drawn 
on lavishly to clothe the Spanish officers and men; 
and when after a while they were dried and fed, 
it was interesting to note the relief all seemed 
to feel, now that their long suspense of so 
many weary weeks was over and done. 

r? When the Spanish captain of the Vizcaya, 
that courteous Eulate of whom we heard so much 
when his ship was in the harbor of New York, 
was lifted over the side and half carried aft, he 
presented his sword to Captain Evans as the 
symbol ; but Evans, gentle as he is brave, declined 
to receive it, and, waving it back with a friendly 



104 THE SANTIAGO CAMPAIGN 

gesture, he grasped the hand of the Spaniard and 
welcomed his brother officer to the hospitality of 
the ship. 

"Much affected by his reception, Captain 
Eulate asked permission to meet the Iowa's offi- 
cers; and to each he gave a warm grip of his 
hand and a friendly word of gratitude, before he 
was carried below. 

" The Oregon and Brooklyn joined in the 
attack, but were a little too far out to get into 
the best of it; and their efforts were directed 
more to head off and catch the Colon than to 
join in the general action. There was a wisdom 
in this approved of all good sailors; for they 
knew what work was cut out for them, and in 
what good hands the other ships were left. 

"At one time, the Iowa was engaged with all 
the ships single-handed. The Spanish officers 
told us later that their orders were to concentrate 
their fire on her, and every effort must be made 
to disable her, as she was the most dangerous 
antagonist of all awaiting them. But, as one of 
the Spanish officers added, with a fine air of 
perplexity, r We found that all the ships were 
equally dangerous; and that, after all was said 
and done, it was four ships against four, and one 
of these, the Brooklyn, was much more lightly 
armored and gunned than any of ours.' 

"Reckoning up the data of this memorable 
fight, which it was our good fortune to take 
part in, we find, that — 



THE "HERALD'S" STORY 105 

" In less than twenty-five minutes two of their 
ships were wrecked; 

"In less than three-quarters of an hour the 
third surrendered ; 

"In fifty-six minutes from the time the first 
dashing- Spaniard was sighted, all hands were 
piped down, the guns were secured, and our 
boats were in the water to save what was left of 
the YizcaycCs crew. 

" At five o'clock in the afternoon of that mem- 
orable Sunday, the Iowa arrived off the entrance 
to Santiago, the Gloucester keeping company 
with us after speaking the Indiana and exchang- 
ing cheers that made the welkin ring. "When 
alongside the Indiana, Captain Evans hailed his 
brother-in-law, Captain Taylor of that ship, and 
told him to send Admiral Cervera on board and 
he would put at his disposal the vacant admiral's- 
cabin of our ship. 

" The gallant but defeated sailor came along- 
side in the Gloucester's boat, and was received 
with all the honors due his rank and station. 
The full marine guard was paraded, the bugles 
flourished a salute ; and when the official side 
was finished the reception accorded him by the 
captured officers of the Vizcaya showed the affec- 
tionate regard with which this fearless gentleman 
was held by those who served under him. 

" Captain Eulate wore the sword Captain 
Evans had refused to accept; and he pointed to it 
with a pathetic pride as he told of the reception 



106 THE SANTIAGO CAMPAIGN 

accorded him by the Ioiva's captain. It was an 
affecting and a heart-warming sight, and made a 
fitting close to a day that will be memorable for 
the glories it yielded to onr arms at sea." 



While these events were occurring, the Asiatic 
Squadron, under Admiral Dewey, was engaged 
in capturing and placing the American flag upon 
the Ladrone Islands ; while at the same time the 
admiral landed troops and hoisted the American 
flag at Cavite, Luzon Island. The following 
cablegrams from Admiral Dewey briefly in- 
formed us of these successes: 

Cavite, July 3. 
Secretary of the Navy, 
Washington : 
Three transports, and cruiser Charleston, arrived 
yesterday. Captured Guara, Ladrone Islands. Brought 
the Spanish officials and the garrison of six officers and 
fifty-four men to Manila. On June 29th, the Spanish 
gunboat Leyte came out of a river near Manila and 
surrendered to me ; having exhausted ammunition and 
food repelling attack of insurgents. Had on board 
52 officers and 94 men. Dewey. 

Cavite, July 4. 
Secretary of the Navy, 
Washington : 
United States troops have landed and have been com- 
fortably housed at Cavite, Luzon Island. Insurgents 
still active. Aguinaldo proclaimed himself president 
of the revolutionary republic, July 1st. Dewey. 



CHAPTER IX 

MESSAGES FROM GENERAL MILES AND THE PRESIDENT 
GENERAL TORAL'S PROPOSAL FOR SURRENDER DE- 
CLINED TRUCE FOR REMOVING NON-COMBATANTS 

THE STORY OF GENERAL ESCARIO'S ADVANCE "TRE- 
MENDOUS FIGHTING QUALITIES" OF THE SPANIARD 

OX the morning of the 4th, the following 
despatch from General Miles was read 
to the troops: 

Headquarters of the Army, 

Washington, July 3, 1898. 
General Shafter, 

Cuba : 

Accept nry hearty congratulations on the record 

made of magnificent fortitude, gallantry, and sacrifice 

displayed in the desperate fighting of the troops before 

Santiago. 

I realize the hardships, difficulties, and suffering ; and 

am proud that amidst it all the troops illustrated such 

fearless and patriotic devotion to the welfare of our 

common country and flag. Whatever the result to 

follow, their unsurpassed deeds of valor is already a 

gratifying chapter of history. Expect to be with you 

within one week with strong reinforcements. 

Miles, 

Major- General Commanding . 



108 THE SANTIAGO CAMPAIGN 

General Shatter replied to General Miles's 
telegram in the following words : 

Headquarters 5th Army Corps, 

Near Santiago, July 3, 1889. 

Major-General Nelson A. Miles, Commanding the 
Arm;/ of the United States, Washington: 
I thank you in the name of the gallant men I have 
the honor to command for splendid tribute of praise 
which you have accorded them. Your telegram will 
be published at the head of the regiments, and this 
moraine: I feel that I am master of the situation and 
can hold the enemy for any length of time. I am 
delighted to know that you are coming, that you may 
see for yourself the obstacles which this army had to 
overcome. My only regret is the great number of 
aallant souls who have given their lives for our 
country's cause. 

SH AFTER. 

At the same time the general commanding 
issued the following order, congratulating the 
troops upon their victorious achievement: 

Headquarters U.S. Forces, 
San Juan Kiver, July 4, 1898. 
General Orders ) 
No. 21. 5 

The general commanding congratulates the army 
on the results of its first general engagement with the 
enemy. The strongly fortified outpost and village of 
Caney was captured after a most stubborn resistance, 
nearly its entire garrison being killed, wounded, or 
captured by the 2d Divison, 5th Corps, Brigadier-Gen- 
eral Lawton commanding. The heroic valor displayed 



ACTION RETOLD IN GENERAL ORDERS 109 

by these troops adds another brilliant page to the 
history of American warfare. To Major-General 
Wheeler, of the Cavalry Division, was probably given 
the most difficult task, that of crossing a stream under 
a tire, and deploying under the enemy's rifle-pits. 
These he almost immediately charged and carried in 
the most gallant manner, driving the enemy from his 
strong positions to the shelter of the stronger works in 
rear. This was only accomplished by the most per- 
severing and arduous efforts, officers and men expos- 
ing themselves to the deadly fire of the Spanish 
troops. In these efforts he was ably seconded by 
Brigadier-General Kent, with the 1st Division on the 
extreme left, who also captured the works on his 
front. 

Numerous distinguished acts have been reported, 
and in due time will be made known to the proper 
authorities. 

By command of Major-General Shatter, 

E. J. McClernand, 

Assistant Adjutant- General. 

On the 9th the following from the President 
was received and read to the troops : 

Washington, D.C., July 8, 1898. 
General Shafter, 

Play a, Cuba : 

Telegram which it appears you did not receive read 
as follows : 

The President directs me to say you have the gratitude 
and thanks of the Nation for the brilliant and effective 
work of your noble army in the fight of July 1. 



110 THE SANTIAGO CAMPAIGN 

The sturdy valor and heroism of officers and men fill 
the American people with pride. The country mourns 
the brave men who fell in battle. They have added 
new names to our roll of heroes. 

R. A. Alger, 

Secretary of War. 



The destruction of the Spanish fleet under 
Admiral Oervera was a terrible blow to the 
Spanish military commander, General Jose 
Toral; Lieutenant-General Linares having been 
severely wounded about 2 o'clock in the battle 
of July 1st. On the 5th, General Toral, in re- 
ply to a demand for surrender, proposed to with- 
draw all his forces from the eastern province of 
Santiago, provided it was stipulated that he 
should not be molested until he had reached the 
city of Holguin, some seventy miles to the north- 
west. This proposition was submitted to the 
U.S. Government at Washington, and declined. 
From the 5th to the 10th, the time was divided 
between flags of truce and some pretty brisk 
skirmishing along the entire line. 

Our losses in these engagements were very 
small. Besides building quite formidable breast- 
works and protecting our line by traverses, we 
had also, by the free and judicious use of sand- 
bags, so thoroughly screened our men from the 
enemy, that hours of a strong fire from the 
enemy's w r orks, even at very short range, were 



A THREAT TO SHELL THE TOWN HI 

almost without effect. The men in the trenches 
were almost absolutely protected, the only shots 
of the Spaniards which seemed to have any effect 
being those which passed over our works and 
fell among our soldiers who were in the rear. 
On the 3d, General Shafter sent me the follow- 
ing letter, which I promptly sent forward by a 
flag of truce: 

Headquarters United States Forces, 
!Near Sax Juax River, Cuba, 

July 3, 1898, 8.30 a.m. 
The Commanding General of the Spanish Forces, 
Santiago de Cuba : 
Sir : I shall be obliged, unless you surrender, to 
shell Santiago de Cuba. Please inform the citizens of 
foreign countries and all women and children that they 
should leave the city before 10 o'clock to-morrow 
morning. 

Very respectfully, 

Your obedient servant, 

W. K. Shafter, 

Major- General, U. S. A . 

General Toral,the Spanish commander, replied 
as follows: 

Santiago de Cuba, July 3, 1898. 
His Excellency the General Commanding Forces 
of United States, 

San Juan River : 
Sir : I have the honor to reply to your communica- 
tion of to-day, written at 8.30 a.m., and received at 
4 p.m., demanding the surrender of this city; on the 



112 THE SANTIAGO CAMPAIGN 

contrary case announcing to me that I advise the foreign 
women and children that they must leave the city be- 
fore 10 o'clock to-morrow morning. It is my duty to 
say to you that this city will not surrender ; that I will 
inform the foreign consuls and inhabitants of your 

message. 

Very respectfully, 

Jose Toral, 

Commander- in- Ch ief 4th Corps. 

Immediately following this flag of truce I was 
visited at my headquarters by the British, Por- 
tuguese, Chinese, and Norwegian consuls. They 
came to request that non-combatants be allowed 
to proceed to and occupy the town of El Caney 
and other points upon the railroad which connect 
Santiago with San Luis. They also asked that 
the Americans feed these refugees, Avho they 
said would number between fifteen and twenty 
thousand. They also asked that the city be not 
fired upon until 10 o'clock on the 5th. I sent 
these requests forward to General Shatter, to 
which he sent me the following reply: 

In Camp near Santiago, July 3, 1898. 
Major-General Wheeler : 

Sir : Notify consuls that their request for delay 
until 10 a.m. the 5th is acceded to, provided that 
Spanish forces inside of city remain quiet. I desire 
some representative of the foreign governments, to be 
selected by themselves, to come to my lines to-mor- 
row, say, at 9 o'clock, for further conference as to 



THE TRUCE EXTENDED 113 

departure of foreign subjects and caring for them while 
outside of lines. 

Very respectfully, 

Wm. R. Shafter. 

Order all firing to cease, and not to be resumed 
unless enemy fires on us. 

General Shafter also sent to the Spanish com- 
mander the following despatch for the benefit 
of would-be refugees from the city of Santiago, 
which I forwarded to General Toral : 

Headquarters 5th Army Corps, 

July 3, 1898. 

The Commanding General, Spanish Forces, 
Santiago de Cuba : 
Sir - In consideration of the request of the consuls 
and officers in your city for delay in carrying out my 
intention to fire on the city, and in the interest of the 
poor women and children who will suffer very greatly 
by their hasty and enforced departure from the city, 
I have the honor to announce that I will delay such 
action solely in their interest until the noon of the 5th, 
providing during the interval your forces make no 
demonstration whatever upon those of my own. 
I am, with great respect, 
Your obedient servant, 

W. R. Shafter, 
Major- General, U.S.A. 



114 THE SANTIAGO CAMPAIGN 

The following despatches from General Shafter 
of this date (July 3d) and a despatch from Colonel 
Wagner, of General Miles's staff, who was at 
General Shafter's headquarters, tell the story of 
the advance of General Escario, who commanded 
Pando's column. I also call attention to General 
Shafter's despatch in which he speaks of " the 
tremendous lighting qualities shown by the 
enemy from his almost impregnable position": 

Headquarters 5th Army Corps, July 3. 
Secretary of War, Washington : 

Did not telegraph, as I was too busy looking after 
things that had to be attended to at once, and did not 
wish to send any news that was not fully confirmed. 
The Spanish fleet left the harbor this morning and is 
reported practically destroyed. I demanded surrender 
of the city at 10 o'clock to-day, but at this hour, 
4.30 p.m., no reply had been received. Perfect quiet 
along the line. Situation has been precarious on ac- 
count of difficulties of supplying the command with food 
and the tremendous lighting qualities shown by the 
enemy from his almost impregnable position. 

Shafter, Major- General. 

Playa del Este, July 3, 1898, 11.44 a.m. 
Secretary of War, Washington : 

Camp near Sevilla, Cuba, July 3. — We have 
the town well invested on the north and east, but 
will) a very thin line. Upon approaching it, we find 
it of such a character, and the defences so strong, 
it will be impossible to carry it by storm with my 



TELEGRAM JULY 3d, ABOUT WITHDRAWING 115 

present foree, and I am seriously considering with- 
drawing about five miles and taking up a new position 
on the high ground between the San Juan River and 
Siboney, with our left at Sardinero, so as to get our 
supplies to a large extent by means of the railroad, 
which we can now use, having engines and cars at 
Siboney. Our losses up to date will aggregate a 
thousand, but list has not yet been made. But little 
sickness, outside of exhaustion from the intense heat 
and exertion of the battle of the day before yesterday, 
and the almost constant fire which is kept up on the 
trenches. Wagon road to the rear is kept up with 
some difficulty on account of rains, but I will be able 
to use it for the present. General Wheeler is seri- 
ously ill, and will probably have to go to the rear 
to-day. General Young is also very ill ; confined to 
his bed. General Hawkins slightly wounded in foot. 
During the sortie enemy made last night, which was 
handsomely repulsed, the behavior of the troops was 
magnificent. I am urging Admiral Sampson to attempt 
to force the entrance of the harbor, and will have a 
consultation with him this morning. He is coinimr to 
the front to see me. I have been unable to be out 
during the heat of the day for four days, but am retain- 
ing the command. General Garcia reported that he 
holds the railroad from Santiago to San Luis, and has 
burned a bridge and removed some rails ; also that 
General Pando has arrived at Palma, and that the 
French consul, with about four hundred French citizens, 
came into his lines yesterday from Santiago. Have 
directed him to treat them with every courtesy possible. 

Shafter, Major- General. 



116 THE SANTIAGO CAMPAIGN 

Headquarters 5th Army CoRrs, 

Near Santiago, July 3. 

Secretary of War, Washington : 

To-night my lines completely surround the town 
from bay on north of city to point on San Juan River 
on south. The enemy holds from west bend San Juan 
River at its mouth up the railroad to the city. General 
Pando, I find to-night, is some distance away, and will 
not get into Santiago. 

Shafter. 

Headquarters 5th Army Corps, 

July 3, 1898. 

General Miles, Washington : 

Killed a Spanish general in affair at Commual, and 
large number of officers and men, who are still un- 
buried. General Linares' arm was broken. My de- 
mand for surrender of Santiago still being considered 
by Spanish authorities. Pando has arrived near break in 
railroad with his advance. I think he will be stopped. 

Shafter, Commanding . 

Near Santiago de Cuba, July 3. 
General Miles, Washington : 

Pando six miles north with 5,000. Garcia opposes 
with 3,000. Lawton can support Garcia and prevent 
junction. Wagner, 

Assistant Adjutant- General. 



CHAPTER X 

MY ILLNESS OVERSTATED DID NOT LEAVE COMMAND 

GENERAL GARCIA'S BATTLE WITH THE PANDO 

COLUMN A WARM ATTACK ON THE CITY DETAILED 

REPORT OF BOMBARDMENT GENERAL MILES TAKES 

COMMAND THE FIRST OVERTURES FOR PEACE 

THREE days subsequently, the commanding 
general cabled Washington, mainly con- 
cerning the health of certain officers, as follows : 

Headquarters 5th Army Corps, July 6. 
Secretary of War, Washington : 

Camp near Santiago, July 5. — Captains Alger 
and Sewell and Mr. Corbin are well. I am feeling 
better. Had hoped to be up this a.m., but as every- 
thing is quiet I will remain still. General Wheeler is 
feeble, 1 but remains with his command. General 
Young leaves for Key West to-day. General Hawkins 
slightly wounded in foot. All others well. 

Shafter, Major- General Commanding. 

When the papers of the early part of July 
reached us I regretted very much to see that 
General Shafter had telegraphed as he did re- 

1 See also p. 115, General Shafter's telegram three days before. 



118 THE SANTIAGO CAMPAIGN 

garding my health. It is true that I had had 
an attack of fever, but the same is true of every 
other general in the army in Cuba, and of all my 
staff officers except an acclimated Cuban who 
acted as Volunteer Aid. Immediately after the 
battle of Las Guasimas, June 24th, I received 
orders from General Sh after to take command of 
all the troops on shore and throw them forward 
as far as could be done without risking contact 
with the enemy. This contemplated selecting 
favorable camps for these troops as they came 
up, so that they would be supplied with water 
and also be in a defensive position. To accom- 
plish this work properly, required a great deal of 
riding in the hot sun; and as I had no tent I was 
exposed to the heavy dews of the night. After 
six days of this character of exposure I was 
taken with the fever; but, by placing myself 
under the charge of a doctor and taking all the 
prescribed medicine, I was up and ready for duty 
on the morning of July 1st, the day of the Battle 
of San Juan. I was engaged during all this 
day; and even after dark I remained on the 
advanced line, to get up intrenching-tools and 
to encourage the construction of breastworks. 

I was up at 4 o'clock on the morning of 
the 2d; was engaged during the entire day; 
and at dark, by direction of General Shafter, 
I went back to his quarters, and remained 
in the open air until nearly 11 o'clock. The 
exertions of these two clays were very exhaust- 



BOMBARDMENT FROM THE SEA AND LAND 119 

ing, and on the 3d I felt the effect considerably; 
but from that time I gathered strength, and soon 
recovered. I was not off duty for a single 
moment during the campaign; and I do not think 
my sickness materially impaired my usefulness. 

It appears from the report of the commander 
of the Pando column, that on approaching San- 
tiago he was met by General Garcia, command- 
ing some four thousand Cuban troops. An 
engagement took place in which the Spaniards 
lost 27 killed and 67 wounded; but it seems that 
the Spaniards drove the Cubans back and cleared 
the way to Santiago, joining there General Toral. 

Reinforcements meanwhile had reached Sib- 
oney and joined our line. This enabled us to 
extend our right until it reached to within a 
little more than half a mile from the shores of 
the bay. On the 5th, in view of the bombard- 
ment of the town, some 22,000 inhabitants of 
Santiago passed through the lines to El Caney, 
Siboney, and other localities. On the 9th, an- 
other demand for surrender was made, was re- 
fused, and a warm attack was made upon the 
city by our artillery and small-arms. This con- 
tinued from 4z o'clock until dark on Sunday, the 
10th, — the casualties being very small, and the 
Cavalry Division only losing two men wounded. 
On the morning of the 11th, the bombardment 
was renewed, assisted by the navy. One of my 
officers, whom I placed where it could be well 
observed, noted their shots as follows: 



120 



THE SANTIAGO CAMPAIGN 



Report of Naval Shots during the Bombardment of 
Santiago, July 11, 1898. 



No. 


Time. 


1. 


9.30. 


2. 


10.03. 


3. 


10.08. 


4. 


10.14. 


5. 


10.16. 


6. 


10.20. 


7. 


10.21. 


8. 


10.25. 


9. 


10.25. 


10. 


10.28. 


11. 


10.30. 


12. 


10.30. 


13. 


10.3(3. 


14. 


10.35. 


15. 


10.36. 


16. 


10.40. 


17. 


10.40. 


18. 


10.45. 


19. 


10.45. 


20. 


10.46. 


21. 


10.50. 


22. 


10.51. 


23. 


10.54. 



Could not see where it went. 
Heard no explosion ; saw no effects. 



Heard no explosion ; did not see where 

it struck. 
Exploded apparently in lower part of 

city, near the bay. 
Exploded on south side of city ; could 

not see effects. 

No explosion. 

Could not tell where it went. 

Heard no explosion. 
(( (< 

Exploded ; could not see where struck. 



Heard no explosion. 

Explosion in town ; could not see where. 

Heard no explosion. 

Expl'n down near water front, apparently . 

a a a a 

Explosion on slope toward water front ; 

out of sight. 
Exploded on south side of town ; could 

not be seen. 
Exploded on east side of town ; effects 

not seen. 



EFFECTS OF THE SHOTS 

Report of Naval Shooting, — concluded. 



121 



No. 


Time. 


Remarks. 


24. 


10.55. 


No explosion heard. 


25. 


11.01. 


(< (< 


26. 


11.01. 


it a 


27. 


11.02. 


a c< 


28. 


11.03. 


it a 


29. 


11.05. 


Explosion on side towards bay ; effects 
not seen. 


30. 


11.10. 


No explosion heard. 


31. 


11.11. 


c« a 


32. 


11.15. 


Explosion on slope of city towards bay ; 
not seen. 


33. 


11.16. 


No explosion seen ; fire seen in city, 
but did not last long. 


34. 


11.21. 


Exploded on sloe towards bay. 


35. 


11.24. 


(( << a 


36. 


11.25. 


tt ti a 


37. 


11.28. 


Heard no explosion. 


38. 


11.30. 


Exploded on city slope towards bay. 


39. 


11.33. 


(( a a 


40. 


11.33. 


a << <( 


41. 


11.34. 


it a a 


42. 


11.35. 


a n a 


43. 


11.36. 


a a a 


44. 


11.37. 


a a a 


45. 


11.38. 


a a a 


46. 


11.40. 


Exploded beyond the city. 



All shells explode on slope towards bay ; cannot 
see where they strike. 

F. West, Captain, 6th Cavalry. 



122 THE SANTIAGO CAMPAIGN 

During the periods occupied by the various 
flags of truce I had had numerous conversations 
with the Spanish officers from Santiago, and 
found that their condition was by no means sat- 
isfactory to them. 

On the 13th, General Miles, Commander of 
the Army, arrived from the United States; and 
this high official, General Shafter, and myself 
went out and had a long interview with General 
Toral. Upon General Miles's return to my camp 
he sent the following despatch to the Secretary 
of War: 

General Wheeler's Headquarters, 

Before Santiago, Cuba, July 13, 1898. 

To Hon. Secretary of War, 
Washington, D.C. : 
At a meeting between the lines, at which Generals 
Shafter and Wheeler and Spanish General Toral were 
present, the latter claims that he is unable to act with- 
out authority of his Government, but has received 
authority to withdraw and surrender harbor, forts, 
munitions of war, and eastern portion of Cuba. He 
urgently requests until to-morrow noon to receive 
answer from his Government regarding offer of our 
Government to send his forces to Spain, which was 

granted. 

Nelson A. Miles, 

Major- General Commanding the Army. 

The next day, the 14th, the same officers 
had a much more extended interview, during 
which the question of surrender was discussed. 



THE QUESTION OF TORAL'S AUTHORITY 123 

It seems that in the conversation, the interpre- 
ters used by General Miles and General Shafter 
were rather careless iii their interpretations; 
and General Shafter and General Miles were 
led to understand that General Toral had con- 
sented to an absolute capitulation. 

I heard the conversations on the 14th; and 
previous to that time General Toral had re- 
peatedly stated, that under the laws of Spain 
a general could not surrender without the au- 
thority of the home or Madrid Government. 

He stated, however, that he had authority 
from General Blanco to arrange terms of sur- 
render which would become effectual upon the 
reception of authority of the Madrid Government 
to capitulate on the basis of the Spanish troops 
being transported to Spain. General Toral and 
his Spanish interpreter, Mr. Mason, also stated 
with great emphasis that the Spanish Government 
would accede to the terms ; because it was the 
custom of their Government to comply with 
the recommendations of their captains-general. 
Both General Toral and Mr. Mason seemed to 
think that there was no question on this point, 
and therefore in their talks with General Miles 
and General Shafter on the morning of the 
14th, they referred to the matter as substantially 
fixed ; and the interpreters, taking the same 
view, spoke of it with even more emphasis as an 
absolute agreement. 

After General Miles, General Shafter, and 



124 THE SANTIAGO CAMPAIGN 

myself returned to my headquarters, General 
Lawton, Lieutenant Miley, and myself were ap- 
pointed commissioners on behalf of the United 
States to negotiate the terms of capitulation, it 
having been agreed by General Toral and Gen- 
eral Shafter that the commissioners to arrange 
the terms should meet on neutral ground be- 
tween the lines at 2 o'clock that day. 

I immediately commenced dictating to a ste- 
nographer the terms for an immediate capitula- 
tion, in form quite similar to those that were 
finally adopted on the sixteenth. Before I had 
proceeded far with the document, Mr. Mestre, 
my own interpreter, told me that he thought 
General Toral did not mean to be understood as 
agreeing to an immediate capitulation ; but, as 
many others had taken the contrary view, Gen- 
eral Lawton, Lieutenant Miley, and myself com- 
pleted the paper, which contemplated an absolute 
surrender. Armed with this document, we pro- 
ceeded to the neutral ground at the hour ap- 
pointed, 2 o'clock that afternoon, and met the 
commissioners who had been appointed by 
General Toral. We soon found that there was 
a misunderstandng, and at 4 o'clock the Spanish 
commissioners returned to Santiago, promising 
to come back at 6 with further instructions. 

They returned at that hour, and stated that it 
would be necessary to postpone the negotiations 
until morning. I made serious objection to this. 
Yellow fever was spreading very rapidly, and I 



A TENTATIVE PROPOSAL 125 

felt it important to have this matter adjusted 
with as little delay as possible ; and finally they 
consented to return with General Toral at half- 
past nine that night. We met at the time ap- 
pointed, and found General Toral very positive 
in the assertion that he had no power to capitu- 
late ; that the authority he was acting under was 
received from General Blanco, the extent of 
which was, that he might open negotiations for 
the basis of a capitulation, awaiting the action 
of Spain upon a cablegram which had been sent 
to their Government at Madrid. 

Seeing the situation, I suggested to the other 
commissioners that we discuss separately each 
paragraph of the paper we had prepared, modi- 
fying it in such a way that the Spanish com- 
missioners would submit it to us as a proposition 
on their part. "With this view we proceeded, 
taking each paragraph at a time, writing it out 
in English and then translating it into Spanish ; 
and finally, after various changes, none of which 
were material, the Spanish commissioners ex- 
pressed themselves as satisfied. When all had 
been gone over, we asked them if they would 
submit that to us as their proposition. This 
they consented to do; and at twenty minutes 
after midnight they signed their names to the 
paper, and agreed to meet us at nine the next 
morning. 



CHAPTER XI 

PRELIMINARY AGREEMENT FOR THE CAPITULATION 

SPANISH PRIDE AND SENSITIVENESS A PITIFUL 

APPEAL TO MADRID TERMS OF THE MILITARY CON- 
VENTION THE SURRENDER 

WE met as stipulated, in the meantime hav- 
ing had the agreement typewritten ; and 
after some negotiation the following was adopted 
and signed by all parties : 

Preliminary agreement for the capitulation of the 
Spanish forces which constitute the Division of Santiago 
de Cuba occupying the territory herein set forth, said 
capitulation authorized by the Commander-in-Chief of 
the Island of Cuba, agreed to by General Toral, and 
awaiting the approbation of the Government at Madrid, 
and subject to the following conditions : 

Submitted by the undersigned commissioners, — 
Briiradier-Gencral Don Federico Escario, Lieut. -Col- 
onel of Staff Don Ventura Frontan, and Mr. Kobert 
Mason, of the city of Santiago de Cuba, — represent- 
ing General Toral, commanding Spanish forces : 

To Maj.-Gen. Joseph Wheeler, U.S.V. ; Maj.-Gen. 
H. W. L.-iwton, U. S. V., and 1st Lieutenant J. D. 
Milcv, 2d Artillery, A. I). C, — representing General 
Shatter, commanding American forces. For the 



THE HONORABLE TERMS PROPOSED 127 

capitulation of the Spanish forces comprised in that 
portion of the Island of Cuba east of a line passing 
through Aserradero, Dos Palmas, Palma Soriano, 
Cauto Abajo, Escondida, Tanamo, and Aguilera, — 
said territory being known as the Eastern District of 
Santiago, commanded by Gen. Jose Toral. 

1. That pending arrangements for capitulation all 
hostilities between American and Spanish forces in this 
District shall absolutely and unequivocally cease. 

2. That this capitulation includes all the forces and 
war material in said territory. 

3. That after the signing of the final capitulation, 
the United States agrees, with little delay as possible, 
to transport all the Spanish troops in said District to 
the Kingdom of Spain ; the troops, as near as possible, 
to embark at the port nearest the garrisons they now 
occupy. 

4. That the officers of the Spanish army be per- 
mitted to retain their side-arms, and both officers and 
enlisted men their personal property. 

5. That after final capitulation the Spanish authori- 
ties agree without delay to remove, or assist the Ameri- 
can navy in removing, all mines or other obstructions 
to navigation now in the harbor of Santiago and its 
mouth. 

6. That after final capitulation the commander of 
the Spanish forces deliver, without delay, a complete 
inventory of all arms and munitions of war of the 
Spanish forces, and a roster of the Spanish forces. 

7. That the commander of the Spanish forces, in 
leaving said District, is authorized to carry with him 
all military archives and records pertaining to the 
Spanish army now in said District. 



128 THE SANTIAGO CAMPAIGN 

8. That all that part of the Spanish forces known 
as volunteers, movilizadoes, and guerillas who wish to 
remain in the Island of Cuba are permitted to do so un- 
der parole not to take up arms against the United States 
during the continuance of the present war between 
Spain and the United States, delivering up their arms. 

9. That the Spanish forces will march out of San- 
tiago de Cuba with honors of war ; depositing their 
arms thereafter at a point mutually agreed upon, to 
await their disposition by the United States Govern- 
ment ; it being understood that the United States com- 
missioners will recommend that the Spanish soldier 
return to Spain with the arms he so bravely defended. 

Entered into this fifteenth day of July, eighteen 
hundred and ninety-eight, by the undersigned com- 
missioners, acting under instructions from their re- 
spective commanding generals. 

Joseph Wheeler, Federico Escario. 

Major- General, U. S. Volunteers . 

H. W. Lawton, Ventura Frontan. 

Major- General, U.S. Volunteers. 

J. D. Miley, Robert Mason. 

1st Lieutenant, 2d Artillery, A.D. G. 



From the beginning of the negotiations I 
readily saw that the great desire on the part of 
General Toral was to maintain his honor and 
prestige as a soldier. It was very clear to me 
that he cared less about the arms being returned 
to his soldiers than he did for the recommenda- 
tions to that effect on the part of the commis- 



CHARACTERISTICS OF TORAL 129 

sioners, couched as it was in language compli- 
menting him and his soldiers for their courage 
and chivalry. I also saw that General Toral 
was a man of the keenest pride; sensitive in his 
feelings to the highest degree, and with a temper 
which if touched would entirely control all his 
conservative or reasoning feelings; and it is very 
possible that had anything occurred during the 
negotiations which he felt intrenched upon his 
honor as a soldier, he would have broken off any 
further attempts at an agreement; and notwith- 
standing that he was courteous in the extreme, 
he would have allowed his pride and passions to 
involve him and his army in a conflict which 
would have cost many lives on both sides. 

It was evident to me, from his preoccupied 
look and manner, that General Toral had con- 
stantly looming before him in his mind's eye 
the events which would follow when he once 
more stood upon Spanish soil with his conquered 
troops. It was explained to me by one of the 
Spanish commissioners that, as general com- 
manding the Spanish forces, he would be held 
accountable for the surrender; and that he would 
probably, even though he had received the con- 
sent of his Government to capitulate, have to 
answer for same before a court-martial at Madrid. 
This was doubtless the main reason of his insist- 
ing so strongly on allusions to the bravery of the 
Spanish soldiers being inserted in the conditions 
of surrender. He wished to eliminate from this 



130 THE SANTIAGO CAMPAIGN 

document everything that might possibly reflect 
upon his courage as a soldier, or that might give 
ground for any charges of a serious character by 
his superior officers. 



The following cablegrams with regard to these 
negotiations were sent to the War Department 
by General Miles and General Shafter: 

Daiquiri, July 15. 
Secretary War, Washington : 

Commission on behalf of United States was ap- 
pointed, consisting of Generals Wheeler and Lawton 
and Lieutenant Miley, with Spanish commission, to 
arrange details for carrying into effect the capitulation. 
I will reach Siboney to-morrow. 

Miles. 

Headquarters 5th Army Corps, 

July 15, 1898. 
Adjutant-General, Washington : 

Sent you several telegrams yesterday, as did Gen- 
eral Miles, in regard to the surrender. General Toral 
agreed yesterday positively to surrender all the forces 
under his command in eastern Cuba upon a distinct 
understanding that they were to be sent to Spain by 
the United States ; that this surrender Avas authorized 
by General Blanco, and that its submission to-morrow 
was merely formal. The commissioners to arrange 
details were appointed, — AVheeler, Lawton, and Miley 
on the part of the United States. Points were imme- 
diately raised by Spanish commissioners. The dis- 
cussion lasted until 10 o'clock last night. My com- 



NOBLESSE OBLIGE 131 

missioners think the matter will be settled to-day, and 
met at 9.30 o'clock this morning. There are about 
twelve thousand troops in the city, and about as many 
more in the surrounding district ; twenty-five thousand 
in all will be transported. General Miles was present, 
and said the surrender was as absolute and complete 
as possible. It cannot be possible that there will be a 
failure in completing arrangements. Water famine in 
city imminent. Have supply cut ; this was told Lieu- 
tenant Miley by English commissioner. Will wire fre- 
quently when negotiations are progressing. 

Shafter. 

The most punctilious courtesy on the part of 
the Spanish officers was fully reciprocated by 
myself and the other commissioners, and every 
effort possible was made to avoid anything which 
would in any way wound their feelings of 
soldierly honor. We most readily consented to 
change words and phrases, such as inserting the 
word " capitulation," for " surrender," and other 
things, immaterial in themselves, but which 
seemed to be desired on the part of General 
Toral and the Spanish commissioners. The 
entire conduct of the Spanish officers was such 
as to elicit our sympathies and regard. General 
Toral spoke very feelingly of his sad fate. He 
said to me : " I would not desire to see my very 
worst enemy compelled to play the cards I have 
had to play during the last two weeks. All my 
generals have been killed or wounded; I have 
not a single colonel left, and I am surrounded by 



132 THE SANTIAGO CAMPAIGN 

a powerful army. My men counted sixty-seven 
ships off the coast, all loaded with troops; and 
besides all this," he continued, wearily pointing 
his hand towards the city, " I have secret troubles 
there, of which I cannot speak.'' 

It may not prove uninteresting to insert here 
the wording of a cablegram which must have 
cost in the neighborhood of five thousand dol- 
lars, sent by General Linares, commanding the 
Spanish forces in the Province of Santiago de 
Cuba, to his Government at Madrid. The differ- 
ence between the appealing tone of this message 
and General Toral's confident bearing in the 
presence of the American commissioners is strik- 
ingly significant. The cablegram referred to 
did not come to my knowledge until some weeks 
after the capitulation : 

Santiago de Cuba, July 12, 1898. 
The General-in-Chief, to the Secretary of War : 

Although prostrated in bed from weakness and pain, my 
mind is troubled by the situation of our suffering troops, and 
therefore I think it my duty to address myself to you, Mr. 
Secretary, and describe the true situation. Enemy's position 
very near city, ours extending 14 kilometres (1,400 yards) ; 
our troops are exhausted and sickly in an alarming propor- 
tion, cannot be brought to the hospital, needing them in 
trenches. Cattle without fodder or hay. Fearful storm of 
rain, which has been pouring continuously for the last 20 
hours. Soldiers without permanent shelter, their only food 
consisting of rice ; have no way of changing or drying clothes. 
Our losses very heavy ; many chiefs and otlicers are among 



LINARES' LONG CABLEGRAM 133 

the dead, wounded, and sick; their absence deprives the 
forces of their leaders in this very critical moment. Under 
these conditions it is impossible to open a breach on the 
enemy, because this would take a third of our men, who can- 
not go out and whom the enemy would decimate ; the result 
would be a terrible disaster, without obtaining, as you desire, 
the salvation of eleven maimed battalions. To make a sortie 
protected by the Division of Holguin, it is necessary to at- 
tack the enemy's line simultaneously. The forces of Holguin 
cannot come here except after many long days' marching. 
Impossible for them to transport rations. Unfortunately the 
situation is desperate. The surrender is imminent, otherwise 
we will only gain time to prolong our agony. The sacrifice 
would be sterile, aud the men understand this. With his 
lines so near us he will annihilate our forces without ex- 
posing his ; as he did yesterday, cannonading by land from 
elevations without our being able to discover their batteries ; 
and by sea the fleet has a perfect knowledge of the place, 
and bombard by elevation with a mathematical accuracy. 
Santiago is not Gerona, a walled city, part of the metropolis, 
defended inch by inch by her own people without distinction, 
— old women and children who helped with their lives, moved 
by the holy ideas of freedom, and with the hopes of help 
which they received. Here I am alone. All the people have 
fled, natives as well as Spaniards, even those holding public 
offices, with few exceptions. Only the priests remain, and 
they wish to leave the city to-day headed by their archbishop. 
These defenders do not start now a campaign full of enthusi- 
asm and energy ; but for three years they have been fighting 
the climate, privations, and fatigues, and they have to con- 
front now this critical situation when they have no enthusiasm 
or physical strength. They have no ideals, because they de- 
fend the property of people who have deserted them, and of 
those who are the allies of the American forces. The honor 
of arms has its limits; and I appeal to the judgment of the 
Government and the entire Nation, whether these patient 
troops have not repeatedly saved it since the 18th of May, — 



134 THE SANTIAGO CAMPAIGN 

date of the first bombardment. If it is necessary that I 
sacrifice them for reasons unknown to me, or if it is necessary 
for some one to take the responsibility for the issue fore- 
seen and announced by me before in several telegrams, I 
willingly offer myself as a sacrifice to my country, and I will 
take charge of the command for the act of surrender ; as my 
modest reputation is of small value when the interest of the 

Nation is at stake. 

Linares. 

In referring to the battle of June 24th at Las 
Guasimas, General Toral said that less than two 
thousand Spanish troops were engaged. He 
said : " Yon thought we had more men, because 
our line was so long." He also said, that up to 
the evening of June 24th the entire Spanish loss 
was two hundred and sixty-five men, about two 
hundred and fifty being the casualties in the 
fight at Las Gnasimas. He said he could not 
correctly say how many Spaniards were killed 
or wounded at El Caney, and in the fight at San 
Juan before Santiago on July 1st and 2d; but 
with dejected air he said : " It was heavy, heavy ! " 

The next morning, the 16th, we received a letter 

from General Toral, saying that the Spanish 

Government had authorized the proposition for 

capitulation. General ToraPs letter was as 

follows: 

Santiago de Cuba, July 16. 

To His Excellency, Commander-in-Chief Ameri- 
can Forces : 
Excellent Sir : I am now authorized by my Govern- 
ment to capitulate. I have the honor to so apprise you, 
and requesting that you designate hour and place where 



THE COMMISSIONERS MEET 135 

my representatives shall appear to compare with those 
of your Excellency to effect the articles of capitulation 
on the basis of what has been agreed upon to this date, 
in due time. I wish to manifest my desire to know 
the resolutions of the United States Government repeat- 
ing the return of the army, so as to note on the capitu- 
lations also the great courtesy of your great graces and 
return for their great generosity and impulse for the 
Spanish soldiers, and allow them to return to the 
Peninsula with the honors the American army does 
them the honor to acknowledge, as dutifully descended. 

Jose Toral, 
Commanding General 4th Army Corps. 

Together with the other two commissioners I 
immediately went to the place of meeting, carry- 
ing with us writing materials, stationery, and 
a typewriting machine; also taking with me 
Mr. Mestre, my interpreter and translator, and 
Mr. Leonard Wilson, my secretary. After the 
usual polite salutations, proceeded to our work. 
Some six hours of discussion followed, which 
finally resulted in the adoption of the terms 
of absolute capitulation. They were in these 
words : 

Terms of the Military Convention for the capit- 
ulation of the Spanish forces occupying the territory 
which constitutes the Division of Santiago de Cuba, 
and described as follows : All that portion of the 
Island of Cuba east of a line passing through Aserra- 
dero, Dos Palmas, Canto Abajo, Escondida, Tanamo, 
and Aguilera, said troops being in command of General 



136 THE SANTIAGO CAMPAIGN 

Jose Toral ; agreed upon by the undersigned commis- 
sioners, — Brigadier-General Don Federico Escario, 
Lieutenant-Colonel of Staff Don Ventura Frontan, 
and, as Interpreter, Mr. Robert Mason, of the city of 
Santiago de Cuba, — appointed by General Toral, com- 
manding the Spanish forces on behalf of the Kingdom 
of Spain ; and Major-General Joseph Wheeler, U.S.V., 
Major-General H. W. Lawton, U.S.V., and 1st Lieu- 
tenant J. D. Miley, 2d Artillery, A.D.C., — appointed 
by General Shatter, commanding the American forces 
on behalf of the United States. 

1 . That all hostilities between American and Span- 
ish forces in this District shall absolutely and unequiv- 
ocally cease. 

2. That this capitulation includes all the forces and 
war material in said territory. 

3. That the United States agrees, with as little 
delay as possible, to transport all the Spanish troops 
in said District to the Kingdom of Spain, the troops 
being embarked, as far as possible, at the port nearest 
the garrisons they now occupy. 

4. That the officers of the Spanish army be per- 
mitted to retain their side-arms, and both officers and 
private soldiers their personal property. 

5. That the Spanish authorities agree to remove, or 
assist the American navy in removing, all mines or 
other obstructions to navigation now in the harbor of 
Santiago and its month. 

6. That the commander of the Spanish forces deliver, 
without delay, a complete inventory of all arms and 
munitions of war of the Spanish forces in above described 
District to the commander of the American forces; also 
a roster of said forces now in said District. 



THE FINAL TERMS 137 

7. That the commander of the Spanish forces, in 
leaving said District, is authorized to cany with him 
all military archives and records pertaining to the 
Spanish army now in said District. 

8. That all of that portion of the Spanish forces 
known as volunteers, movilizadoes, and guerillas 
who wish to remain in the island of Cuba are per- 
mitted to do so upon condition of delivering up their 
arms, and taking a parole not to bear arms against 
the United States during the continuance of the pres- 
ent war between Spain and the United States. 

9. That the Spanish forces will march out of San- 
tiago de Cuba with honors of war ; depositing their 
arms thereafter at a point mutually agreed upon, to 
await their disposition by the United States Govern- 
ment ; it being understood that the United States 
commissioners will recommend that the Spanish sol- 
dier return to Spain with the arms he so bravely de- 
fended. 

10. That the provisions of the foregoing instru- 
ment become operative immediately upon its being- 
signed. 

Entered into this sixteenth day of July, eighteen 
hundred and ninety-eight, by the undersigned com- 
missioners acting under instructions from their respec- 
tive commanding generals and with the approbation 
of their respective Governments : 

Joseph Wheeler, Federico Escario. 

Major- General, U.S. Volunteers. 

H. W. Lawton, Ventura Frontan. 

Major- General, U. S. Volu nteers . 

J. D. Miley, Robert Mason. 

1st Lieut., 2d ArVy, A. B.C. 



138 THE SANTIAGO CAMPAIGN 

General Shafter having come forward during 
this meeting of the commission, thereupon dis- 
cussed with General Toral and the commissioners 
the details of the ceremonies to be observed the 
following day in carrying out the terms of the 
final capitulation which had just been arranged. 
In the meantime the secretary in attendance had 
typewritten copies of the articles prepared both 
in the Spanish and the English; and this, the 
final capitulation of the Spanish forces in the 
Province of Santiago cle Cuba, was duly signed 
by the Spanish and American commissioners at 
4 o'clock; General Toral retaining the signed 
Spanish original, one unsigned Spanish copy, 
and one unsigned English copy, while General 
Shafter retained the signed English original, one 
unsigned Spanish copy, and one unsigned Eng- 
lish copy. 

After courteous salutations and mutual con- 
gratulations, the Spanish-American commission 
which had been appointed to arrange the details 
of the capitulation of Santiago de Cuba, having 
successfully accomplished its mission, adjourned 
its final meeting at 5 o'clock in the afternoon of 
July 16, 1898. 

The original English copy was delivered to 
General Shafter, who had the pleasure and honor 
of sending the following despatch : 



THE NEWS SENT HOME 139 

Camp near Santiago, July 16. 
Adjutant-General Corbin : 

The surrender has been definitely settled ; and the 
arms will be turned over to-morrow morning, and the 
troops will be marched out as prisoners of war. The 
Spanish colors will be hauled down at 9 o'clock, and 

the American flag hoisted. 

Shafter, 

Major- General. 

Headquarters 5th Army Corps, 

Near Santiago, July 16, 1898. 

Adjutant-General , 

Washington : 
The conditions of capitulation include all forces and 
war material in described territory. The United States 
agrees with as little delay as possible to transport all 
Spanish troops in the District to the Kingdom of Spain, 
the troops, so far as possible, to embark near the gar- 
rison they now occupy. Officers to retain their side- 
arms, and officers and men to retain their personal 
property. Spanish commander authorized to take 
military archives belonging to surrendered District. 
All Spanish forces known as volunteers, movilizadoes, 
and guerillas who wish to remain in Cuba may do so 
under parole during the present war, giving up their 
arms. Spanish forces march out of Santiago with 
honors of war, depositing their arms at a point mutu- 
ally agreed upon, to await the disposition of the United 
States Government, it being understood the United 
States commissioners will recommend that the Spanish 
soldiers return to Spain with arms so bravely defended. 
This leaves the question of return of arms entirely in 



140 THE SANTIAGO CAMPAIGN 

the hands of the Government. I invite attention to 
the fact that several thousand surrendered — said by 
General Toral to be about twelve thousand — against 
whom a shot has not been fired. The return to Spain 
of the troops in this District amounts to above twenty- 
four thousand according to General Toral. 

W. R. SH AFTER. 



CHAPTER XII 

REPORT OF THE COMMISSIONERS' CONVERSATIONS 

A MISUNDERSTANDING AS TO THE SPANISH COMMIS- 
SIONERS' POWERS "CAPITULATION" SUBSTITUTED 

FOR " SURRENDER " THE HONOR OF THE AMERICAN 

NATION PLEDGED ADJOURNMENT 

A VERY skilful stenographer of the "War 
Department, Mr. Leonard Wilson, was 
present in the capacity of secretary at the various 
meetings of the commissioners whose work had 
resulted in the surrender of the entire Spanish 
forces, some twenty-three thousand strong. The 
experience of this gentleman has been very 
varied. He was private secretary to Mr. H. M. 
Stanley, the African explorer, in Africa and in 
Europe; then an attache at the Belgian court; 
and was afterwards appointed special translator 
and stenographer of the United States at the 
Brussels International Monetary Conference. 

I was very fortunate in securing this gentle- 
man's services, and he remained with me during 
the entire Cuban campaign. He quietly took 
down the greater part of the conversations 
which occurred between General Toral and the 
Spanish commissioners on the one side, and the 



1-42 THE SANTIAGO CAMPAIGN 

American commissioners on the other. He has 
written out his notes of these conversations, 
which are incorporated here as follows: 

Headquarters Cavalry Division, U.S. Army, 

Before Santiago de Cuba, July 14, 1898. 

The following commissioners were this day appointed 
to discuss the terms and conditions of capitulation of 
the city and province of Santiago de Cuba on behalf of 
their respective commanding generals : 

For the Kingdom of Spain : 

Brig. -Gen. Don Federico Escario. 
Lieut. -Col. of Staff Don Ventura Frontan. 
Mr. Robert Mason, of the City of Santiago 
de Cuba. 

For the United States : 

Maj.-Gen. Joseph Wheeler, U.S.V. 

Maj.-Gen. H. W. Lawton, U.S.V. 

1st Lieut. J. D. Miley, 2d Artillery, A.D.C. 

There were also present at the conferences on the part 
of the United States, — Lt. Joseph Wheeler, jr., A.D.C. ; 
Mr. Aurelius E. Mestre and Mr. Ramon G. Mendoso, 
Volunteer Aids, acting as interpreters ; and Mr. Leonard 
Wilson, stenographer U.S. War Department, acting as 
secretary. 

The document roughly drawn up by the Am- 
erican commissioners was read and discussed: 

The first request of the Spanish commissioners was 
that the United States would undertake to repair and 
re-establish immediately the water system of the city of 



A QUESTION OF SENTIMENT 143 

Santiago, from material to be furnished in said city, 
which was agreed to by the American commissioners. 

Permission was then requested by the Spaniards to 
carry away with them to Spain all military documents 
and records pertaining to the Spanish army which were 
in the various military offices in the capitulated district. 
This was also acceded to. 

It was also agreed between the commissioners that 
all that portion of the Spanish forces known as volun- 
teers, movilizados, and guerillas who wished to remain 
in the Island of Cuba should be permitted to do so, they 
surrendering their arms and being under parole not to 
take them up against the United States Government 
during the continuance of the present war. It was 
pointed out by the Spanish commissioners that this did 
not apply to Spanish regular soldiers, as all regulars 
remaining in said district after its capitulation would be 
considered deserters by the Spanish Government. They 
first would have to return to Spain and then they could 
return to Cuba if they so wished. 

The Spanish commissioners here inquired whether it 
was the intention of the United States Government to 
disarm the Spanish troops. The American commis- 
missioners assured them that this must necessarily be 
done, but that, at their request and in view of the 
bravery displayed by the Spanish soldiers, they would be 
pleased to recommend that their government gratui- 
tously return to Spain the small arms belonging to the 
regular Spanish troops. The Spanish commissioners 
explained that they asked for this concession merely on 
the ground of sentiment, and thought that it should be 
conceded as these small arms, if returned to Spain with 
the Spanish troops, would no longer be engaged against 
the American forces. 

General Lawton remarked that he for one would take 



144 THE SANTIAGO CAMPAIGN 

pleasure in making sucli a recommendation, in which 
sentiments General Wheeler and Lieut. Miley concurred. 

General Lawton, on behalf of his colleagues, said that 
he appreciated to the highest extent the soldierly quali- 
ties of the Spanish combatants, as he had very good 
reasons for believing in their courage. 

When asked as to whether the articles as then drawn 
up and amended coincided with their views, and whether 
they were prepared to sign them on behalf of their 
government, the Spanish commissioners replied that 
they preferred, before doing so, to return and consult 
with General Toral. This proposition was agreed to by 
the American commissioners, who stated that they were 
most anxious to get this matter completed at the earliest 
possible moment ; and that it was their desire, in order 
to facilitate matters all they could, for as few disagree- 
able points to be brought up as possible. The Spanish 
commissioners stated that they had a high appreciation 
of the courtesy extended to them by the American 
commissioners. 

After an exchange of compliments the com- 
mission adjourned to (3 p.m., same date. 

The commission duly met, as arranged, a few 
minutes after 6 o'clock, and immediately pro- 
ceeded to the continuance of the negotiations: 

After expressing the hope that the conference would 
terminate satisfactorily to both the Spanish and Ameri- 
can commissioners the latter suggested that the Spanish 
commander immediately withdraw his troops from the 
trenches in front of the city and from the fortifications. 

To this the Spanish commissioners made answer that 
they were unable to give a promise of such a character 



DIPLOMATIC MISUNDERSTANDING AND DELAY 145 

without first consulting and obtaining the authorization 
of General Toral. This point was therefore left open 
for further discussion. 

On being asked whether they gave their consent and 
would lend their aid to the operation of the railroad and 
the removal of obstructions to navigation in the harbor, 
so as to permit of the transportation of supplies and the 
entrance of the Red Cross ship State of Texas, winch had 
stores on board for the sick and needy, the Spaniards 
replied that they had no objection to trains running 
into the city, but they did not quite see how it would 
be possible for the Texas, or any other ship, to enter the 
harbor immediately, owing to the presence of submarine 
mines ; and even if these were removed, as there was 
only fourteen feet of water at the wharves, the cargo 
from the ship would have to be transferred to lighters, 
which, they asserted, had to be done in every case where 
a large vessel entered the harbor. This point was also, 
therefore, left open for subsequent discussion. 

The Spanish commissioners hereupon stated that 
there were two or three small points in connection with 
the capitulation upon which they desired to confer 
further with General Linares, who was then sick in bed 
suffering from a wound recently received in an engage- 
ment ; and they requested, in order to enable them to do 
this, that the commission adjourn until the following 
morning. 

General Lawton stated that he and his colleagues had 
full powers, and asked the Spanish commissioners 
whether they had not full powers also. To tins the 
Spaniards replied that they had not, and that they had 
to get advice from General Toral, to whom they were to 
refer questions of importance before binding themselves 
by making a final decision. 

The American commissioners insisted that they 



146 THE SANTIAGO CAMPAIGN 

understood that the surrender of the Spanish army had 
already been conceded, and that the main questions of 
importance had been settled between Generals Shafter 
and Toral that morning. It was therefore necessary to 
arrange the details as speedily as might be, in order to 
carry the surrender into effect. 

The Spanish commissioners contended, on the con- 
trary, that the actual surrender could only take place 
with the consent of the Spanish Government ; and they 
repeated that they had not absolute power, but said they 
were instructed to inform the American commissioners 
that they were willing for all Americans and all the 
people from El Caney to come into the city of Santiago 
if they so desired. 

General Lawton said he had no desire to unduly press 
matters, but that he and his colleagues had made up 
their minds to endeavor to arrive at some understanding 
and settle the matter that night if possible, even if it 
necessitated sitting up all night to do it. He wanted to 
go right on then without stopping. He did not wish to 
return to his camp until a conclusion had been reached. 
The matter had been under discussion for several days, 
and he desired for the negotiations to continue until an 
agreement was reached, or a decision arrived at one way 
or the other. 

The Spanish commissioners regretted that it was 
absolutely impossible for them to complete the negotia- 
tions at that meeting of the conference, as there were 
several points in the paper, as then drawn up, to which 
General Escario and his colleagues would have to object, 
and on which points a further and more extended con- 
ference with General Linares was essential. 

Mr. Robert Mason, the British Vice-Consul, who was 
acting as interpreter to the Spanish commission, on be- 
ing asked by General Wheeler whether he could give any 



IMMEDIATE DECISION URGED 147 

information as to the points to which objection was 
made by General Linares, replied that all he could say- 
was that there were several points in connection with 
the document, as drawn up by the American commis- 
sioners and amended at the previous meeting, which 
General Linares desired to be altered or modified, and 
which he would like to have more amply explained and 
discussed. Mr. Mason, however, explained that the 
points to which exceptions were taken, although unim- 
portant in themselves, were of sufficient moment to 
warrant further discussion. 

General Wheeler replied that everything General 
Toral had said he wanted at the first meeting had been 
written down and an agreement arrived at. They then 
came out to that place as commissioners, and more con- 
cessions were demanded of them ; these were even 
granted in every particular, for they were trying to show 
a liberal spirit, and simply wanted to bring the matter to 
a speedy and satisfactory termination. 

Mr. Mason said in explanation that the Spanish com- 
missioners had not been fully empowered by General 
Linares, the latter not understanding that this was nec- 
essary. Under those circumstances the commissioners 
would be required to report to General Linares before 
taking definite action. 

General Wheeler expressed it as his opinion that the 
matter should be proceeded with and settled definitely 
that night. He said his Government would expect the 
matter to be settled without delay, and that every effort 
possible should be made to accomplish such a result. 

Lieutenant Miley inquired whether the Spanish com- 
missioners would have any objection to the American 
commissioners accompanying them into Santiago and 
holding a consultation there for the purpose of conclud- 
ing the matter more expeditiously. 



148 THE SANTIAGO CAMPAIGN 

The Spanish commissioners, without directly making 
formal objection to the carrying out of this suggestion, 
thought it would be better, as they had already pro- 
posed, for them to return for a consultation with General 
Linares and have another meeting of the commission 
the following morning. 

General Wheeler said he could not quite understand 
why the Spanish commissioners had not been given 
full powers, as the law is that commissioners must 
necessarily have absolute power, they being commis- 
sioners of the Government. 

General Escario, on behalf of the Spanish commis- 
sioners, said there was one unimportant point Avhich 
he would like to mention, and, if possible, have changed, 
which was that wherever the word "surrender" was 
used in the wording of the document he would wish it 
to be expunged and the word " capitulation " inserted in 
its place. This alteration, at the suggestion of General 
Wheeler, was immediately agreed to by the American 
commissioners and the document changed accordingly. 

The Spanish commissioners, inviting attention to 
that paragraph in the document (paragraph 9) one por- 
tion of which called for the furnishing of a complete 
inventory of all public property of the Kingdom of Spain 
then in above-described District, said they could hardly 
insert that clause in the agreement, pointing out that 
after the capitulation had taken effect the property in 
question would necessarily remain in its then location, 
and would consequently fall into American hands and 
be subject to American power and control. 

Chief-of-staff Don Ventura Frontan explained that it 
would be impossible for them to furnish the desired list 
of public property, inasmuch as the only person who 
possessed such a list or who had the information, with- 
out which it was impossible to make one, was the notary 



WILLING TO RETURN THE SPANISH ARMS 149 

public of the Spanish commander, and this notary public 
was then at Caney. 

General Wheeler stated that the American commis- 
sioners were willing to modify the wording of the para- 
graph in question, as all they required was a list of 
the " arms and military stores " and not of the " public 
property." The document was changed accordingly. 

The Spanish commissioners, referring to the point 
agreed upon at a previous meeting, and the promise of 
the American commissioners to recommend their Gov- 
ernment to return the arms of the Spanish soldiers, 
asked whether they were to understand that their 
troops were to be disarmed first and the arms returned 
to them afterwards ; to which Lieutenant Miley replied 
that they would certainly be disarmed while they re- 
mained in Santiago. 

General Wheeler stated that he and his colleagues 
would certainly ask their Government to return their 
arms, but they could not on their own responsibility 
bind themselves to do this. 

General Lawton remarked that the American com- 
missioners fully recognized that the Spaniards were 
brave and courageous soldiers, and consequently they 
would be delighted to ask their Government to return 
them their arms. Beyond this, however, they were not 
authorized to go. 

Lieutenant Miley pointed out that the capitulation 
necessarily included the giving up of the arms, but 
he was perfectly willing to join his colleagues in rec- 
ommending that their arms be returned. 

General Wheeler observed that the surrender of the 
arms had been perfectly understood, and arranged 
between the Spanish and American generals ; he was 
there, and the whole thing had been written down. 

General Escario suggested that he return to Santiago 



150 THE SANTIAGO CAMPAIGN 

and come back immediately with. General Toral, who, 
during the sickness of General Linares, had full control. 
General Toral would speedily and definitely settle the 
matter. 

Lieutenant Miley inquired if there was to be any 
going back after General Linares when they had gotten 
through with General Toral. General Escario assured 
him that General Toral would be able to settle the 
matter himself. Lieutenant Miley replied that the mat- 
ter could only be settled one way with them as it had 
been agreed, and it followed as a matter of course that 
when they surrendered the arms were to be given up. 

General Lawton, interposing, stated that it was not the 
intention of the American commission to humiliate the 
Spanish officials in any way possible, but that they were 
making their best efforts to get this disagreeable busi- 
ness over in as pleasant a way as they could, in which 
remarks General Wheeler fully coincided. 

General Wheeler, continuing, suggested that, with 
regard to the form and manner of giving up the arms, 
he would even go so far as to say that the American 
commission would have no objection to the arms being- 
placed in the Spaniards' own arsenal and under the 
guard of their own ordnance officer, providing, of course, 
that there was one American officer present when the 
arms were counted and stored. They might remain 
stored there until a reply was received from the Ameri- 
can Government to the American commissioners' request 
to have them given back. They would do this purely 
as a matter of courtesy and chivalry. His Nation was a 
chivalrous Nation, and if an affirmative reply was received 
from his Government they would cause the arms to be 
returned to the Spaniards, even if they had to place them 
on a separate ship. 

General Escario, while appreciating highly the senti- 



TORAL'S PRESENCE WANTED: ADJOURNMENT 151 

ments expressed, begged that he be permitted to fetch 
General Toral, so that this question might be decided. 
He said he had implicit faith in the loyalty of the 
Americans, but as General Toral had personally spoken 
of this matter, and as it was an important point, he 
wished to refer it to him. 

This was agreed to, and General Wheeler, as senior 
of the American commission, assured General Escario 
that they might fully rely on the honor of the American 
Nation to protect them thoroughly on all points. 

After the customary courteous salutations, the 
commission adjourned to 9.30 p.m., same date. 



CHAPTER XIII 

THE CONVERSATIONS (CONTINUED) ANOTHER MISUNDER- 
STANDING THE RED CROSS SHIP TO ENTER FIRST 

WITH PROVISIONS GENERAL TORAL'S APPEAL ON 

BEHALF OF SPANISH HONOR THE REMOVING OF 

HARBOR-MINES ADJOURNMENT 

THE Spanish and American commissioners 
resumed deliberations at 9.40 o'clock on 
the evening of the same day; General Jose 
Toral accompanying the other commissioners 
on behalf of Spain: 

General Toral objected very strongly to the heading 
of the document, and insisted upon it being changed 
from " Terms of the Military Convention for the Capitu- 
lation " to, using his Spanish words, " Basis preliminaris 
por la Capitulacion," or, as we translated it into English, 
** Preliminary Agreement for the Capitulation." This, 
he said, would give them time to make all preliminary 
arrangements for the capitulation while the Spanish com- 
mission awaited receipt of the authority from their Gov- 
ernment at Madrid to confirm same. The captain-general 
had given him authority to enter upon a preliminary ar- 
rangement, which, he had no doubt, the Government 
would confirm as soon as the necessary cable advices 
could reach him. 



AGREEMENT TO BE MODIFIED 153 

Lieutenant Miley said that the attitude of the Spanish 
commission in this matter was not in accordance with 
the letter which they had sent to General Shafter. 
Would the details of the capitulation have to be re- 
ferred to Madrid ? He understood full powers had been 
given to General Toral to treat on this matter. 

General Wheeler remarked he had gathered that 
morning that General Toral had received full authority 
from the captain-general to surrender, and all that the 
Spanish commission had then to do was to arrange the 
details and notify the captain-general. 

Mr. Mason said he considered it certain that whatever 
General Toral agreed to would be certainly approved, 
but that the general had to get confirmation of what he 
did from Madrid. He had understood General Toral to 
say that morning that the captain-general had authorized 
him to enter into this preliminary agreement, but that it 
would have to be approved afterwards by Madrid. 

General Toral replying said he wished it to be per- 
fectly understood that what they were doing now was 
simply making the preliminary basis for the capitulation, 
and that nothing further could be done by him until he 
had received authority from his Government to carry 
same into effect. That agreement would simplify mat- 
ters very much, for once authority to confirm same 
reached him they would only have to make the confir- 
mation of what had been already agreed upon. 

General Wheeler remarked that under the circum- 
stances they had better modify the document in the way 
the Spaniards required, and when they had found out 
what alterations and changes were demanded of them 
they could get the Spaniards to sign the paper thus 
amended as a proposition, there being evidently no ob- 
ligation for the American commissioners to put their 
names to it. This being agreed to by his colleagues 



154 THE SANTIAGO CAMPAIGN 

the document was gone over, each paragraph being dis- 
cussed by both sides of the commission through the 
interpreters there present. 

On the proposition of the Spanish commissioners the 
heading or title of the paper was modified so as to read 
as follows : " Preliminary Agreement for the Capitu- 
lation of the Spanish Forces which constitute the Divi- 
sion of Santiago de Cuba and which occupy the Territory 
of the Eastern Part of the Island of Cuba within the Line 
herein set forth ; to be carried into effect as soon as the 
proper authority is received from the Government at 
Madrid, and subject to the following conditions." 

This and the remaining portion of the title of the 
document, as thus amended, was approved by the joint 
commission. 

Paragraph 1, reading as follows, was also agreed to 
and adopted by both sides : " That, pending arrange- 
ments for capitulation, all hostilities between American 
and Spanish forces in this district shall absolutely and 
unequivocally cease." 

Discussion was then held between the commissioners 
on the clause relating to the transfer to the American 
Government of the public property belonging to the 
kingdom of Spain in the district about to capitulate, and 
General Toral explained that there were certain public 
buildings, such as the arsenal, etc., which were considered 
as State; property and of which they could make no 
transfer while the Spanish authorities remained in 
possession of the city. This property could not be 
I iv them disposed of as long as the State occupied it, 
but the moment the Spanish Government ceased to 
occupy it the property would naturally belong to the 
new occupant. 

That clause of the paragraph referred to reading, "all 
arms and munitions of war," which had been substituted 



WAY FOR THE RED CROSS SHIP 155 

for the words "all public property" at the previous 
meeting of the commission, was therefore confirmed. 

Paragraph 3, reading as follows, was next discussed : 
•• That the Spanish commander immediately make 
arrangements for the entrance into the harbor of Santiago 
of the Red Cross ship State of Texas, a vessel' sailing 
under the terms of the Geneva Convention, for the 
purpose of furnishing provisions to those starving in 
Santiago, without reference to nationality." 

The Spanish commissioners explained that they were 
compelled to take exception to this paragraph, but 
they would undertake to comply with its requirements 
immediately after the capitulation had been confirmed ; 
their harbor being mined, they could not give up this 
means of defence until the capitulation had taken place 
as a matter of fact. After some discussion the Ameri- 
can commissioners agreed to alter the wording of the 
paragraph in question so as to make it read as follows : 
" That the chief of the Spanish forces, immediately 
after the confirmation of this agreement, make arrange- 
ments for the entrance into the harbor of Santiago," etc. 

General Wheeler desired to know why a ship could 
not be permitted which sailed under the terms of the 
Geneva Convention and under the Red Cross flag, to 
enter the harbor of Santiago, especially as there were 
only women aboard, and not a single gun. 

General Toral explained that the difficulty consisted 
in the number of mines and torpedoes which were then 
in the harbor, which permitted no ship to enter, which 
could not discriminate between one ship and another, 
and which formed a necessary defence which they abso- 
lutely could not give up until the final capitulation had 
been signed and become effective. 

Dealing then with paragraph 4, regarding the entrance 
into Santiago of the refugees then at El Caney and 



156 THE SANTIAGO CAMPAIGN 

other points, Lieutenant Miley observed that permission 
had already been given them by the Spanish to return, 
and asked whether the railroad might be used for this 
purpose, and, if they did return, had the Spanish author- 
ities anything to feed them with ? 

General Toral replied he had already given orders so 
that our engineers might examine the line the next day, 
as well as the bridge and river of Aguadores, in order to 
enable us to make use of that part of the line to bring 
in supplies, but on the express condition and understand- 
ing that if hostilities recommenced the bridge would be 
destroyed and replaced in its then condition. 

Reverting again to paragraph 3, the Spanish commis- 
sioners requested that the word " starving " be omitted 
and the words " persons in want " be substituted there- 
for, which was promptly agreed to and the paragraph 
altered accordingly. 

Discussing next paragraph 5, which provided for mak- 
ing use of the railroad for the purpose only of transport- 
ing food with which to feed the Spanish and American 
troops, the Spanish commissioners asked that the words 
"Spanish and American" be expunged, and this altera- 
tion being agreed to, the paragraph was changed accord- 
ingly. After some further discussion it was mutually 
agreed upon by the commissioners to still further amend 
the reading of this paragraph so as to make it read as 
follows : " That from the sio-nino- of this agreement the 
Spanish authorities afford every facility for the use, by 
the American forces, of the railroad running from 
Siboney to Santiago, for the purpose only of transporting 
food with which to feed the people in need in Santiago 
de Cuba," 1 the words "until the obstructions to naviga- 
tion in the harbor of Santiago have been removed " being 
expunged. 

At the request of the American commissioners the 



SPANISH TROOPS TO BE TRANSPORTED 157 

words, " after the signing of the final capitulation," were 
inserted after the first word of the first line of paragraph 
6, said paragraph, in its amended form, reading as fol- 
lows : " That, after the signing of the final capitulation, 
the United States agrees, with as little delay as possible, 
to transport all the Spanish troops in said District to the 
kingdom of Spain, the troops, as near as possible, to be 
embarked at the port nearest the garrison they now 
occupy." 

Paragraph 7, reading, " That the officers of the Spanish 
army be permitted to retain their side-arms, and both 
officers and enlisted men their personal property," was 
confirmed without change. 

General Toral said he desired to make an appeal 
to General Wheeler, as the senior officer of the Ameri- 
can commission, on a point which was to him of the 
highest importance, and which affected the honor of the 
Spanish soldiers, who had striven so long and so ardu- 
ously to defend the honor and dignity of their mother 
country on Cuban soil. He appealed more especially to 
General Wheeler, because he was the oldest and the 
senior in rank, and because he knew, from the kindly 
disposition manifested by him during the progress of 
those negotiations, that he could sympathize with him in 
the matter to which he was about to refer. It related to 
the question of his soldiers being permitted, after the 
capitulation, to bear away with them, when they left tha 
city, the arms they had so well striven to defend. He 
begged to remind General Wheeler and his fellow com- 
missioners that they were as yet an unconquered and 
unvanquished army ; he granted that they had perhaps 
been outmatched and outnumbered, but they had not 
been crushed and compelled absolutely to make an un- 
conditional and abject surrender. His city was still 
well defended, and if his country had called upon him 



158 THE SANTIAGO CAMPAIGN 

to have still resisted attack, he and his army would still 
have endeavored to have done their duty ; they were 
then negotiating to see whether an amicable arrangement 
could not be arrived at so as to save further bloodshed, 
and he hoped sincerely that such an arrangement would 
be consummated. It was, therefore, owing to the condi- 
tions which he had enumerated, and principally on the 
ground of their still being an unconquered army, that he 
appealed to the feelings of an old soldier (indicating 
General Wheeler), who he was sure would fully under- 
stand the motives by which he was actuated and the 
feelings with which he was animated in making this, to 
him, important request. 

General Wheeler responded, saying that he and his 
colleagues understood and appreciated fully the reason 
of General Toral making this request, and they had done 
their utmost to show in what a liberal spirit they could 
act, they even exceeding, to accommodate the Spanish 
commission, the conditions which General Toral had 
asked of General Shafter. That they had done, being 
actuated by that same soldierly spirit demonstrated by 
General Toral. 

General Lawton desired to have a little explanation 
on this point. General Toral had asked that his soldiers 
be permitted to march out of Santiago de Cuba with 
their arms, on the ground that they had not been 
vanquished. He desired to know whether General 
Toral meant that his soldiers be permitted to march out 
of the city with their arms, or whether they be permitted 
to return to Spain with their arms. 

General Toral replied that his only desire in making 
that request was to save the honor of Spanish arms, and, 
on the ground that his soldiers had not been conquered, 
all he asked was that they be permitted to march out of 
the town like soldiers, bearing their arms, and once out 



THE POINT OF HONOR RECOMMENDED 159 

of the town they could stack them somewhere ; and 
then, if the United States desired to give them back, or 
to send them to the ships on which they were embarked, 
they could do so. 

General Lawton in reply said this explanation was 
quite satisfactory. No one, not even their own people, 
had a greater consideration for the soldierly qualities or 
brave fighting of the Spanish troops than his colleagues 
and himself, for none had better reason than they to 
have such an opinion. They were considering how this 
disagreeable transaction could be gotten through with 
as little friction and unpleasantness as possible, and 
they were not only willing but anxious to complete it 
in an amicable spirit, they being actuated by none but 
the most kindly feelings. 

General Toral, replying, said he appreciated very 
much the expression of the feelings of the American 
commissioners in reference to the conduct of the 
Spanish soldiers, and it was for this very reason, viz., 
that his soldiers had acted so bravely, that he wished to 
insist on their being permitted to leave the city like 
soldiers, bearing their arms. They had fought well and 
bravely, as even the American commissioners themselves 
had conceded, and he saw no reason why they should be 
humiliated and their bravery depreciated by being com- 
pelled to march out of the city without carrying those 
arms which they had so well and so honorably defended. 

General Lawton said he fully appreciated, as he had 
already stated, the bravery of the Spanish troops, and 
although his Government had declined to permit him 
and his colleagues to grant such a concession as the 
permanent return of the arms, yet they would join in 
making application to the Government at Washington 
that their arms be given back to them. 

An addition was thereupon made to the agreement, 



160 THE SANTIAGO CAMPAIGN 

under the heading of Article 13, which read as follows : 
" That the Spanish forces be permitted to march out of 
Santiago de Cuba with their arms, depositing them 
thereafter at a point mutually agreed upon, to await 
their disposition by the United States Government, it 
being understood that the United States commissioners 
^ill recommend that they be returned." 

Dealing then with paragraph 8, which read, " That 
the Spanish authorities agree without delay to remove, 
or assist the American navy in removing, all mines or 
other obstructions to navigation now in the harbor of 
Santiago and its mouth," this was amended so as to 
read, " That, after the final capitulation, the Spanish 
authorities agree without delay to remove," etc. 

Paragraph 9, reading, " That the commander of the 
Spanish forces deliver without delay a complete inven- 
tory of all arms and munitions of war of the Kingdom of 
Spain, and a roster of the Spanish forces now in above- 
described District, to the commander of the American 
forces," was also amended so as to read, " That, after 
the final capitulation, the commander of the Spanish 
forces," etc. 

Paragraph 10, reading, " That the commander of 
the American forces agrees without delay to repair and 
reestablish the water system of the city of Santiago de 
Cuba, suitable material being furnished in the city of 
Santiago de Cuba," was duly confirmed without change. 

Paragraph 11, reading, "That the commander of the 
Spanish forces is authorized to carry with him all mili- 
tary archives and records pertaining to the Spanish army 
now in said District," was amended so as to read, "That 
the commander of the Spanish forces, in leaving said 
District, is authorized to carry with him," etc. 

Discussing then paragraph 12, which read, " That all 
of that portion of the Spanish forces known as volun- 



THE MISUNDERSTANDING AGAIN 161 

teers, movilizados, and guerillas who wish to remain in 
the island of Cuba are permitted to do so under parole 
not to take up arms against the United States, and that 
they deliver up their arms to the Government of the 
United States," this was amended so as to read, " That 
all of that portion of the Spanish forces known as vol- 
unteers, movilizados, and guerillas who wish to remain 
in the island of Cuba are permitted to do so under parole 
not to take up arms against the United States during 
the continuance of the present war between Spain and 
the United States, delivering up their arms." 

Some further discussion was then had relative to para- 
graph 13 as quoted on page 160, to winch the Spanish 
commissioners still made objection. 

Lieutenant Miley said they had come out there the 
day before to meet General Toral, and General Shafter 
had said he could accept the surrender provided the 
Spaniards were willing to return to Spain. General 
Toral first insisted on the condition that his troops be 
permitted to march out to Holguin, but finally said he 
was willing to surrender on the condition of returning 
with his troops to Spain if he received the consent of 
his Government thereto. General Shafter had come 
out there, in the presence of General Wheeler, and the 
American commissioners understood that he received 
the surrender of the Spanish army in that place. 

General Wheeler remarked that some misunder- 
standing had evidently taken place at the first meeting 
between the generals. His interpretor, who was pres- 
ent, had told him General Toral had stated that he was 
compelled to notify his Government of his negotiations 
before same became binding. 

Lieutenant Miley said the day before a demand was 
made by the Americans for a surrender by 12 o'clock. 
The Spaniards had asked for more time and it had been 



162 THE SANTIAGO CAMPAIGN 

refused. General Shafter had come down himself for 
the answer, which appeared to be satisfactory to him, for 
lie had sent his commissioners there to settle the final 
details for the surrender. 

General Lawton said, as far as he was personally con- 
cerned, he was prepared to state that, as one of the 
commissioners, he could not and would not accept any 
proposition which did not cover the delivering up of 
the arms. 

Lieutenant Miley observed that the first thing the 
Spaniards had to do, now that hostilities had been 
stopped, was to surrender and deliver up their arms. 

General Wheeler remarked that they had six batteries 
in position then. 

Lieutenant Miley said that General Shafter had 
stated that the surrender was absolute and without any 
conditions whatever, except that the Spanish forces 
were to be returned to Spain by the United States. 

General Toral hastened to explain that he had come 
there that morning because General Shafter had invited 
him, and he had, at the same time, offered the proposi- 
tion of Captain-General Blanco, to enter upon a pre- 
liminary agreement for the capitulation while waiting 
for the confirmation of said proposition from his Gov- 
ernment in Madrid. He had also come there at that 
time on the demand of General Shafter. That morning 
he had sent to General Shafter a communication from 
the captain-general, informing him (General Toral) that 
he could enter upon arrangements for the capitulation 
with the American general by establishing the prelim- 
inary basis of said capitulation pending the receipt of 
the decision of the Madrid Government. That was why 
that was only the preliminaiy basis of the capitulation, 
as he was compelled to await confirmation from his Gov- 
ernment, although he had been authorized to discuss a 



NOT AN ABSOLUTE CAPITULATION 163 

preliminary agreement by the commander-in-chief of the 
Spanish army in Cuba. 

Lieutenant Miley said he thought General Shafter 
had some doubts as to whether the Madrid Govern- 
ment would confirm these arrangements, and that when 
he suggested this to General Toral the latter answered, 
How was it possible for his Government not to approve 
and confirm that which the captain-general had author- 
ized him to do and to treat about? 

General Toral here expressed himself as very sorry 
that the American commissioners should believe he first 
said one thing and then said another. It was evident 
to him there was a serious misunderstanding. 

Lieutenant Miley said the American commissioners 
had thought this was to be the final capitulation, but 
after General Toral's explanation the exact situation 
was made clear to them. 

General Lawton remarked that he and his colleagues 
had understood that the preliminaries had all been 
arranged that morning. General Toral replied that this 
was not the case — that they were only prepared to make 
a preliminary arrangement, and that as soon as his 
Government notified him of its confirmation the Spanish 
commissioners would sign the final capitulation. 

General Toral further remarked that it seemed to him 
the misunderstanding had arisen owing to an imperfect 
translation and interpretation of his statements to Gen- 
eral Shafter at their first meeting. He had written to 
General Shafter. Let his letter be translated properly, 
and it would then be evident that he was in the right. 

Lieutenant Miley said he thought General Toral was 
right in this matter. He had the English translation of 
the letter in question with him, but when General 
Shafter had met General Toral the former came away 
thinking that the latter was authorized to make the 



164 THE SANTIAGO CAMPAIGN 

final capitulation, and that the commissioners were 
appointed simply to arrange the details. Under these 
circumstances, of course the American commissioners 
naturally concluded that they were to arrange the de- 
tails for the final capitulation. 

General Lawton desired the first paragraph to be 
re-read both in the English and in the Spanish, which 
was accordingly done. He then suggested that the 
words " pending arrangements for capitulation " be 
omitted, and the words " pending the confirmation of 
this preliminary agreement" be substituted therefor. 
This was immediately agreed to and the document 
altered accordingly. Attention was then again called 
by the Spanish commissioners to the heading of the 
document and they desired that the words " on the part 
of the Kingdom of Spain " be changed so as to read, 
" representing General Toral," which was agreed to. 

The American commission thereupon desired that the 
words " on the part of the United States " be changed 
also so as to read, " representing General Shafter," which 
was done. 

The Spanish commissioners further desired that the 
words, " of the Kingdom of Spain and the roster " be 
changed so as to read, " of the Spanish forces and a 
roster," which was agreed to and the document 
amended. 

At this point, all the articles having been gone 
through, discussed, and translated, and it being apparent 
that all the changes then made comprised the extent of 
the alterations then desired by General Toral and the 
Spanish commissioners, General Wheeler requested the 
interpreters to ask the Spanish commissioners if they 
were willing to sign the document as it then stood in its 
amended form as a proposition for a final capitulation, 
said document to be submitted to General Shafter for 



ADJOURNMENT 165 

his consideration and approval. After a few moments' 
private consultation the Spanish commissioners intimated 
that they were willing to sign it as suggested, which 
they thereupon did, handing the proposition to the 
American commission, who of course did not attach their 
signatures thereto. 

An arrangement having been made for the 
next meeting to take place at 9.30 o'clock the 
following morning, the commission adjourned 
at twenty minutes past midnight. 



CHAPTER XIV 

THE CONVERSATIONS (CONCLUDED) SPANISH FORCES 

TO MARCH OUT UNDER ARMS AND SALUTE THEIR 

COLORS THE MISUNDERSTANDING SATISFACTORILY 

SETTLED WATER SUPPLY OF SANTIAGO THE 

FINAL DETAILS 

THE Spanish- American commission again 
met as agreed, on the morning of July 15th, 
at 9.40 o'clock, and proceeded as follows: 

Lieutenant Miley opened the proceedings by remark- 
ing that the proposition prepared and amended yester- 
day had been submitted to General Shatter, and (handing 
letter to General Toral) " there is General Shatter's reply 
to the letter he yesterday received from General Linares." 
That letter dealt with the question of which General 
Toral had spoken the preceding day, namely, the return 
of the arms to the Spanish troops. General Shatter 
wished the Spanish commissioners to know that he 
would go as far as they wished in this matter. He was 
willing for them to march out of the city with their 
arms and would even salute their colors before they 
passed out. 

General Lawton observed that this was as much as 
any nation could do. 

Lieutenant Miley further stated that General Shatter 
accepted clause 13 as inserted in the proposition. 

General Wheeler remarked that he hoped the Spanish 



GENERAL TORAL DEMURS 167 

commissioners would now have no doubt in their minds 
that the American nation were anxious to accord to the 
Spanish troops every honor they could, as due to good 
and brave soldiers. 

Lieutenant Miley, continuing, stated that General Shaf- 
ter had not rightly understood that the Government at 
Madrid had still to approve the articles of capitulation. 
He had had the impression that the capitulation was an 
accomplished fact from the moment that General Toral 
and he had shaken hands. He thought, the agreement 
having been authorized by General Blanco and agreed to 
by General Toral, that this was all that was necessary ; 
that the submitting of it to Madrid was a mere matter 
of form, and that under no circumstances would it be 
changed by the home Government, it being simply and 
entirely a matter of form. General Toral then inquired 
at what decision General Shafter had arrived. 

Lieutenant Miley replied that General Shafter sug- 
gested that the title of the document be changed to an 
agreement authorized by General Blanco and agreed to 
by General Toral, the agreement to be submitted to 
Madrid as a mere matter of form and without any pos- 
sibility of change. 

General Toral remarked that he was only authorized 
to treat on the preliminary conditions of the capitulation, 
of which the Government at Madrid would approve or 
disapprove. He was not authorized to do anything 
more. 

Lieutenant Miley said General Shafter had asked 
General Toral the day before, after the negotiations of 
the preceding two days, if he was to understand that 
finally they might possibly have to fight again after all, 
and General Toral had told him that that was not to be 
thought of. 

General Toral said it was true he had given utterance 



168 THE SANTIAGO CAMPAIGN 

to that statement, but he had also explained at the same 
time that that was only his own opinion and belief, and 
that he could not think it possible, after he had received 
authorization from the captain-general, that his Govern- 
ment would repudiate it. He was convinced that this 
would not be the case, but still, after all, that was only 
his own personal opinion. 

Lieutenant Miley inquired whether General Toral 
would agree to change the heading of the document in 
accordance with the wishes of General Shafter, who 
suo-o-ested as an alteration that the heading should be 
changed so as to make it read : " Preliminary Agreement 
for the Capitulation of the Spanish Forces which consti- 
tute the Division of Santiago de Cuba and occupy the 
Territory herein set forth, said Capitulation authorized by 
the Commander-in-chief of the Island of Cuba, agreed to by 
General Toral, and awaiting notification from the Govern- 
ment at Madrid, subject to the following conditions.*' 

The Spanish commissioners suggested that the words 
" awaiting notification from the Government at Ma- 
drid " be changed so as to read, " awaiting the approval 
of the Government at Madrid." 

General Lawton suggested that the word "approba- 
tion " be substituted for the word " approval," which he 
thought represented the true condition of affairs. 

The alteration was agreed to and the document 
amended accordingly, the word " approbation " being 
adopted. 

The whole of the first page was then re-read and 
confirmed without change. 

Lieutenant Miley observed that they wanted to word 
this document in such a fashion that the American as 
well as the Spanish commissioners would be able to sign 
it, in order that steps might immediately be taken to 
carry out the details of the agreement. 



HARBOR DEFENCES, AND THE REFUGEES 169 

Lieutenant Miley said General Shafter had had an 
examination made of the bridge at Aguadores, and he had 
found that it would take at least a week to get the rail- 
road in proper repair. It was his desire and purpose to 
feed the needy people in Santiago who would be coming 
in in large numbers from the surrounding country, and 
he therefore desired that steps be taken, not after the 
signing of the capitulation, but immediately, to permit 
the Red Cross ship State of Texas to enter the harbor 
of Santiago. 

General Toral replied that he had consulted with his 
Commission of Harbor Defences, who reported that if he 
took up the defences referred to, and then if unfortu- 
nately their negotiations for the final capitulation fell 
through and there was a resumption of hostilities, the 
port would remain entirely undefended. He was, how- 
ever, quite willing for the vessel to come close up to 
the harbor mouth and for the stores to be placed on 
lighters, which, being of a light draft, could pass over 
the mines without danger. If this were done, however, 
there would have to be a committee of Red Cross ladies, 
or consuls or other suitable persons, to arrange for the dis- 
tribution of the supplies. He had that morning, after 
due reflection, decided that it would not be politic to let 
the refugees enter the city of Santiago immediately. 

General Lawton said it appeared to him that to de- 
cline to take up the mines so as to permit the entrance 
of the Red Cross ship was to cast a doubt on the suc- 
cessful termination of their negotiations, and if the 
Spanish commission had any doubt of the confirmation 
of the agreement it was useless to proceed further. If 
they had no doubt they should not hesitate to take up 
the defences. 

General Toral replied that the reason why the Spanish 
commission were proceeding with the negotiations was 



170 THE SANTIAGO CAMPAIGN 

because he considered they were saving much valuable 
time, for, after the final agreement had been reached and 
the consent of his Government received, all they would 
have to do would be to affix their signatures to the 
document, and if his Government declined to authorize 
the final capitulation he would regret it sincerely and it 
would be by no means his fault. If once the final capitu- 
lation was agreed upon it would be a very small matter 
to open the port, because they could simply destroy the 
defences ; but in order to admit one ship in the present 
situation of affairs the mines would have to be removed 
without destroying them, which would be a long and 
tedious operation. 

General Lawton said he did not know it would be 
necessary for any mines to be removed in order to admit 
one ship, as he had understood there was always a 
channel left open so that the initiated could pass in or 
out at any time. 

General Toral replied that this was not the case, and 
said that even the foreign ships which came to take off 
their subjects had had to stop outside the port, it not 
being possible for them to enter the harbor on account 
of the submarine defences. 

General Lawton remarked that, in view of the amicable 
settlement of affairs, the end being then practically in 
sight, there seemed to him to be a little over-caution on 
the part of the Spanish commissioners sufficient to imply 
that after all they believed their negotiations might be a 
failure. 

To this General Toral replied that he had already ex- 
plained his position in this matter and he was bound to act 
accordingly. Of course, if the Red Cross ship came into 
or near the mouth of the harbor before the final capitu- 
lation was signed he relied upon the loyalty of the Amer- 
icans to permit no photographing of the defences, etc. 



ARRANGEMENTS FOR FEEDING THE CITY 171 

General Lawton said they would promise to prevent 
anything of the kind. They had, as a matter of fact, 
all the photographs they wanted. There would be only 
women and doctors on board. 

General Toral expressed his belief that the Americans 
would act in good faith. 

The American commissioners here withdrew for a few 
moments' consultation, and, returning, Lieutenant Miley 
stated it was the opinion of his colleagues and himself 
that the clause relating to the admittance of the State of 
Texas should be stricken out of the agreement, as it did 
not form part of the essential articles of capitulation. 
They would depend upon a verbal agreement, and treat 
as a private agreement between General Toral and Gen- 
eral Shafter the arrangements for feeding the people. 

General Toral, replying, said this was satisfactory to 
him, and mentioned that he had only three lighters 
which were in really good condition, and those he had 
to use to transport water and provisions, so that he 
would have to ask the American commissioners to sup- 
ply the necessary lighters on which to transport the sup- 
plies from the ship to the wharf. 

Paragraph 3, dealing with this question, was there- 
upon stricken out. 

Discussing then paragraph 4, relating to the entrance 
into Santiago of the refugees, it was decided to strike 
this paragraph out also, General Toral remarking that 
the refugees could return into the city as soon as the 
water supply had been re-established and there was 
something to eat, there being no market then in exist- 
ence and nothing on his ships then in the harbor. 

Paragraph 5 was also considered to be one that should 
be omitted. Lieutenant Miley stated that the Americans 
would have the railroad examined again that day, and 
it might be they would change their minds about using 



172 THE SANTIAGO CAMPAIGN 

it, but if they did so it would be a private arrangement, 
it not being necessary to refer such a point to Madrid, as 
it nowise affected the main question of the capitulation. 

Paragraph 'I was re-read and confirmed. 

Paragraph 7 was re-read and confirmed. 

Paragraph 8 was re-read and confirmed. 

Paragraph 9 was re-read and confirmed. 

Alluding to paragraph 10, Lieutenant Miley said that 
General Shafter wished to wait until the final capitula- 
tion was signed before he re-established the water supply. 
The Spanish commissioners desired to retain all their de- 
fences, and naturally the Americans wanted to retain 
theirs. If the people from El Caney and other points, 
however, were permitted to return to Santiago the 
American commissioners would empower the municipal 
authorities of the city to handle the water supply, pro- 
vided they put in a feed-pipe from which the American 
troops could obtain water. It w r ould be better in any 
case to repair the aqueduct before the people came into 
the city, or they would be short of water. The Spanish 
commissioners might send out some competent men to 
make an examination and ascertain what repairs would 
be needed, and what length of time it would take to 
carry them out. 

General Toral said he would be glad to send and have 
the examination made as suggested. 

Lieutenant Miley replied that he would immediately 
give General Toral a written order authorizing the per- 
sons who went out to make the examination to cross the 
American lines, which they could do under a flag of truce. 
A letter, addressed to the commanding officer of the 
American forces on the Cuevitas Road, was thereupon 
written and handed to General Toral. 

It not being considered necessary for the paragraph 
(Nn. 10) to remain as one of the articles of the agree- 



SPANISH COLORS TO BE HONORED 173 

ment, it was therefore stricken out, Lieutenant Miley re- 
marking that General Shafter would not permit any one 
to come into Santiago from El Caney or any other point 
until the water supply had been re-established. 

Paragraph 11 being next considered, General Toral 
remarked that, some of his regiments being in Santiago 
and some in other parts of his district, his military 
records were naturally in various places, and requested 
that he be permitted to take them with him to Spain 
together with those in Santiago. 

Lieutenant Miley stated that General Toral could 
send for them if he wished and have them brought to 
Santiago. 

General Lawton agreed, saying that the authority to 
carry them to Spain, winch had already been given, car- 
ried with it the authority to collect them. 

Paragraph 11 was therefore confirmed without change. 

Paragraph 12 was re-read and confirmed. 

Referring to paragraph 13, General Toral asked that 
General Shafter's promise that his flag would be saluted, 
and the allusion of the commission to the bravery of the 
Spanish soldiers, be included in the agreement. 

This being agreed to by the American commissioners, 
the paragraph referring to this point was altered so as 
to read : " That the Spanish forces will march out of 
Santiago de Cuba with honors of war, depositing their 
arms thereafter at a point mutually agreed upon, to await 
their disposition by the United States Government, it 
being understood that the United States commissioners 
will recommend that the Spanish soldiers return to Spain 
with the arms they have so bravely defended." 

General Toral said he felt the more grateful to the 
gentlemen of the American commission in granting this 
concession because the Americans had shown what they 
were capable of in fighting and in advancing so gallantly, 



174 THE SANTIAGO CAMPAIGN 

and lie considered they had shown themselves to be, in 
every respect, worthy opponents of his own forces. 

General Lawton then drew up, after consultation with 
his colleagues, a petition to their Government in which 
they prayed that the arms given up by the Spanish 
soldiers be returned to them, on the ground of the 
chivalrous courage and gallantry of Generals Linares 
and Toral and the soldiers of Spain who were engaged 
in the battles recently fought in the Province of San- 
tiago de Cuba. This petition was duly translated and 
read to the Spanish commissioners, who expressed their 
high appreciation of same. 

The whole document was then carefully re-read, para- 
graph by paragraph, both in the English and the Spanish; 
and as supplies of stationery and a typewriting machine 
had been brought to the place of meeting it was agreed 
that the commission adjourn for a couple of hours, the 
American commissioners still remaining between the 
lines, while the Spaniards returned to Santiago for 
luncheon. 

During this interval typewritten copies of the 
amended document were prepared both in the English 
and the Spanish, to await the return of the Spanish 
commissioners. These reappeared promptly at the time 
appointed, and after a careful revisal of the articles as 
amended, and a comparison of the English with the 
Spanish copies, each Spanish commissioner signed his 
name thereto, immediately after which the American 
commissioners signed also. 

The work for the day being thus accomplished, 
after an interchange of compliments and congrat- 
ulations the commission adjourned at 3.30 p.m. 



THE GOVERNMENT AT MADRID APPROVES 175 

Early the following morning General Shatter 
received a letter from General Toral stating that 
he had received the authorization of his Govern- 
ment to make the final capitulation on the terms 
and conditions agreed upon, including that of 
the return of the Spanish troops to Spain by the 
United States. A meeting of the commission 
was accordingly arranged to take place on that 
same morning at 9.30 o'clock, in order to settle 
the final details of the capitulation, and to sign 
the final document. 

About 8 o'clock that morning, the American 
commissioners met at General Wheeler's head- 
quarters to consider the alterations which would 
be necessary in preparing the document to be 
signed. Promptly at 9.30 a.m., on the 16th 
inst., the commission met at the place appointed, 
for the purpose of concluding the arrangements 
for the final capitulation. 

The document as drawn up that morning by 
the American commissioners was most carefully 
gone over, each paragraph being translated into 
the Spanish and carefully weighed and con- 
sidered by all the commissioners, — the changes 
desired by the Spaniards being few and un- 
important : 

At the suggestion of the Spanish commissioners, that 
portion of the title reading, " and Mr. Robert Mason," 
was altered so as to read, " and as interpreter Mr. Robert 
Mason, of the city of Santiago de Cuba." 



176 THE SANTIAGO CAMPAIGN 

Article No. 6 was objected to as it then stood, by 
General Toral, on the ground that the addition at the 
end of the paragraph was not in the preliminary agree- 
ment signed the day before. This was acknowledged by 
the American commissioners, who said that they would 
not insist upon its insertion if General Toral had serious 
objection. 1 

The last paragraph in the agreement, reading, " Entered 
into this sixteenth day of July, eighteen hundred and 
ninety-eight, by the undersigned commissioners, acting 
under instructions from their respective Governments/' 
was altered at the suggestion of General Toral so as to 
read at its termination, " acting under instructions from 
their respective commanding generals, and with the 
approbation of their respective Governments." 

1 The clause referred to, closing sentence, read as follows : "with 
a view of their being properly paroled not to bear arms against the 
United States during the present war until duly exchanged." As a 
matter of fact, the American commissioners had received a private 
message from General Shafter, just as the conference opened that 
morning, telling them that he did not think it advisable to have 
this addition to paragraph 6 inserted; hence the readiness of the 
American commissioners to concede the point. 



CHAPTER XV 

THE NEWS SENT HOME CAPITULATION CEREMONIES 

THE ENTRY OF SANTIAGO RAISING THE AMERI- 
CAN FLAG ABOVE THE PALACE MY VISIT TO THE 

WRECKS OF CERVERA'S SQUADRON 

THE place where these negotiations were 
held, which must of necessity become histor- 
ical, was in a gently sloping field covered with 
1 nxnriant grass, and under the shade of a very 
large and beautiful ceiba-tree, the trunk of which 
was nearly if not quite fifty feet in circumfer- 
ence. The branches of the tree were broadly 
extended, and filled with exceedingly rich foliage, 
which gave an excellent shade, covering quite an 
extensive area of ground. The place was not 
more than fifty or sixty yards south of the main 
Santiago road, and was probably a little nearer 
to our lines than to those of the Spaniards. 
Some two hundred or three hundred yards to 
the left and down the slope of a hill was a very 
fine spring, which had been walled up with 
high walls of masonry, constructed in a work- 
manlike manner. 



178 THE SANTIAGO CAMPAIGN 

For the earlier negotiations, we had always 
met without any arms being brought either by the 
Spaniards or ourselves, except that the Spaniards 
had sometimes worn their machetes. As before 
mentioned, on the afternoon of the 14th, the 
Spanish officers urged that all matters be post- 
poned until the next day, while we insisted that 
they should return that night to continue, and, 
if possible, complete the negotiations; which 
resulted in an agreement that we should return 
to the place at half-past nine that night. It did 
not occur to me at the time, but since I have 
thought it possible, that the Spaniards may have 
regarded this insistance on our part as singular, 
and possibly as an unwarranted exaction. At 
all events, when we passed our outposts to go to 
the place to keep the appointment at 9.30 that 
night, the sentinels informed us that they had 
heard quite a body of men not far from the place 
of rendezvous. When we reached the place there 
was nobody in that immediate vicinity, but after 
a little delay the Spanish officers came up accom- 
panied by larger escorts than heretofore, and 
all armed, the Spanish soldiers bringing their 
carbines. 

I was so interested with the negotiations that 
I did not myself observe this; and we proceeded 
with our consultation, which occupied some 
three hours, when, after the proper adieus, we 
parted, each returning to our respective lines. 



THE NATION'S THANKS 179 

A prompt reply to General Shatter's despatch 
came from the President in the following words : 

General Shafter, 

Commanding Front, near Santiago : 

The President of the United States sends to yon and 
your brave army the profound thanks of the American 
people for the brilliant achievements at Santiago, 
resulting in the surrender of the city and all of the 
Spanish troops and territory under General Toral. 

Your splendid command has endured not only the 
hardships and sacrifices incident to campaign and 
battle, but in stress of heat and weather has triumphed 
over obstacles which would have overcome men less 
brave and determined. One and all have displayed 
the most conspicuous gallantry and earned the grati- 
tude of the nation. The hearts of the people turn 
with tender sympathy to the sick and wounded. May 
the Father of Mercies protect and comfort them. 

William McKinley. 

This complimentary message from the Chief 
Executive was gracefully acknowledged by Gen- 
eral Shafter as follows : 

Camp, near Santiago, July 16. 
To the President : 

I thank you and my army thank you for your con- 
gratulatory telegram of to-day. I am proud to say 
every one in it performed his duty gallantly. Your 
message will be read to every regiment in the army at 
noon to-morrow. 

Shafter, 

Major- General. 



180 THE SANTIAGO CAMPAIGN 

The Secretary of War also expressed his grati- 
tude to the army in these words : 

To Major-General Shafter, 

Front, near Santiago : 

I cannot express in words my gratitude to you and 

your heroic men. Your work has been well done. 

God bless you all ! 

R. A. Alger, 

Secretary of War. 

That evening' arrangements were completed 
as to the method of capitulation, which it was 
agreed should take place at nine next morning. 



The army was promptly apprised of the sur- 
render, and for the first time in seventeen days 
the soldiers lay down for a quiet night's rest. 
Sunday, the 17th, came in with a bright and 
beautiful morning. The worn and wearied look 
of the men, which the fearful hardships and 
exposure of the preceding seventeen days had 
impressed upon them, gave place to features 
changed to smiles of good cheer and satisfaction, 
and a consciousness of a triumphant termination 
of their efforts, trials, and sufferings. 

Pursuant to the arrangements made the night 
previous, General Shafter, together with the 
generals and their staffs, rode to a large field in 
front of Santiago, accompanied by a troop of 
cavalry; there they met General Tor al, who was 
also accompanied by a company of one hundred 
men and his and the other Spanish generals 



RIDING INTO THE CITY 181 

staffs. The American generals were drawn up 
in line from right to left according to rank, and 
their staffs were drawn up in the same manner, 
forming several successive lines. General 
Shafter rode up to General Toral and presented 
him with the sword and spurs of the Spanish 
General Vara del Key, who was killed at El 
Caney. The Spanish troops then presented arms, 
and the Spanish flag, which for three hundred 
and eighty-two years had floated over the city, 
was pulled down and furled forever. The Amer- 
ican officers and their cavalry troop also pre- 
sented arms, after which the Spaniards filed to 
the left and returned to the city; where they, 
together with the entire Spanish army, were 
marched to the arsenal and their arms turned 
over to the American officials. The American 
generals then rode into town in column of twos, 
General Shafter and General Wheeler in front, 
and the other generals following in order of 
rank; the staff officers following in the same 
manner, and the whole being followed by the 
cavalry troop. When we reached the palace we 
were met by all the officials, civil governor, 
archbishop, consuls, etc. At about 11 o'clock we 
were invited to a lunch, and then marched out 
to the plaza, where thousands of the populace, 
Spanish and Cubans, had congregated to witness 
the ceremony. As the clock in the cathedral 
opposite commenced striking the hour of noon 
the United States flag (it was my headquarters 



182 THE SANTIAGO CAMPAIGN 

flag) was hauled to the masthead by Lieutenant 
Miley, Captain McKittrick, and Lieut. Joseph 
Wheeler, jr., who had previously mounted the 
roof of the palace to accomplish this purpose. 
At the same moment twenty-one guns were fired 
and the band of the Sixth Cavalry struck up 
"Hail Columbia! " The Ninth Infantry, which 
was drawn up in the plaza, presented arms to 
the American colors, and the Eastern Province of 
Santiago, with twenty-three thousand Spanish 
soldiers, and its forts, batteries, guns, etc., was 
surrendered to the prowess of American arms. 

As we rode for the first time into Santiago we 
were struck by the excellent manner in which the 
Spanish lines were intrenched, and more espe- 
cially by the formidable defences with which they 
had barricaded the roads. The one in question, 
on which we were traveling, was barricaded in 
no fewer than four different places, said defences 
consisting in an enormous mass of barbed iron- 
wire stretched across the entire length of the 
road. They were not merely single lines of wire, 
but pieces running perpendicularly, diagonally, 
horizontally, and in every other direction, resem- 
bling nothing so much as a huge thick spider's- 
web with an enormous mass in the center. Behind 
this some ten or fifteen feet were barrels of an ex- 
traordinarily large size, filled with sand, stones, 
and concrete, on the tops of which sand-bags 
were placed in such fashion as to leave small 



THE BARRICADES AND INTRENCHMENTS 183 

holes through which the Spaniards could sight 
their guns. It would, indeed, have been a hard 
task for American troops, were they never so 
brave and courageous, to have taken a city by 
storm which was protected by such defences as 
these. Nothing short of artillery could have 
swept such obstructions out of the way, and even 
then they would still have been more or less ef- 
fective, owing to the narrowness of the road and 
the high banks on either side which would not 
have permitted getting rid of these obstructions 
by casting them on one side. Even the streets 
were intrenched in similar fashion, the people 
taking refuge in the upper stories of their houses ; 
for the mass of the Spanish soldiery had evidently 
no idea that their commanders would surrender, 
and had it come, as was at one time feared, to a 
hand-to-hand fight, the American troops would 
have suffered a fearful loss, being necessarily 
placed at such a disadvantage. It was fortunate, 
therefore, all things considered, that the sur- 
render came when it did; for otherwise many a 
brave boy who has returned to resume his avoca- 
tions of peace, or to do his duty as a soldier in 
his native land, would have found his last rest- 
ing-place on Cuban soil. 

One hears a good deal about the desolation of 
Avar, and I have already mentioned that the 
houses at Siboney and other points on the coast 
through which we passed were exceedingly 
limited in number, and even most of these were 



184 THE SANTIAGO CAMPAIGN 

in ruins. Some further idea of the desolation of 
the country may be formed from the fact that 
during" the whole of our march from Siboney on 
the coast to the outskirts of the city of Santiago 
not one single house was standing, nor one acre 
under cultivation. It is true that there was one 
mud hovel in which some ragged Cubans had 
taken a temporary refuge, who, to all appear- 
ances, divided up their time between eating and 
sleeping. 

The destruction by war on the sea has never 
had a more comprehensive example than that 
which strewed the remains of Cevera's warships 
along the coast outside of Santiago. Shortly 
after the surrender, my staff, various officers 
from the different regiments of my command, 
and myself, went on board one of the Govern- 
ment tugs and made a tour of inspection of the 
wrecks of the Spanish fleet. Passing down the 
bay, the first wreck we approached was the 
Reina Mercedes, which was sunk in some thirty 
feet of water just inside the bay near to Morro 
Castle. Part of her decks and her smokestacks 
wiivc out of water, the gaping holes in which, 
and in her side, spoke eloquently of the skill 
and marksmanship of American gunners. It is 
said that, seeing escape to be hopeless, her com- 
mander endeavored to accomplish that which 
our brave Hobson, with all his daring, had evi- 
dently failed to do, viz., to block the entrance to 
the channel; but fortunately, as it subsequently 



APPEARANCE OF THE WRECKS 185 

proved for us, he was also unsuccessful, his ship 
evidently drifting some distance after her anchors 
had been let go, thus leaving the channel un- 
obstructed. 

Some four miles up the coast we came upon 
the Maria Theresa and Oquendo, both apparently 
total wrecks, to which it was impossible for us 
to approach very near, it being considered unsafe 
to board them, and a guard-ship having been 
placed in the vicinity to keep off all would-be 
visitors. We saw enough, however, to show us 
the terrible havoc which the American shells 
had played on these once fine battleships. Being 
overtaken by their determined pursuers, they had 
both been run ashore, their crews endeavoring 
to save their lives by jumping overboard and 
making for the beach, thus abandoning the ships 
to their fate. 

Continuing our trip some ten miles further up 
the coast we came upon what was to us the most 
interesting sight of all, viz., the wreck of what 
was formerly called ?r the Pride of the Spanish 
Navy," — the Vizcaya. Here our tug anchored, 
as we were determined to make an effort to 
board this latter vessel, in order to examine for 
ourselves her internal condition. This was at- 
tended by no small difficulty, but at length we 
managed to scramble through a porthole and 
climb, to the detriment of our clothing, on to 
what remained of her decks. Not a particle of 
woodwork was to be seen, everything of a com- 



l$('y THE SANTIAGO CAMPAIGN 

bustible nature having been destroyed by the 
fire caused by American shells. The destruction 
was utter and complete. The heat had twisted 
the massive iron beams into all kinds of fantastic 
shapes, as if they had been so many pieces of 
string, and her heavily protected sides were per- 
forated by shells as if they had been of the con- 
sistency of brown paper. Those portions of her 
iron decks still remaining were covered deep in 
debris, composed mostly of exploded small arms 
ammunition; and her large guns, which still 
seemed to be in fairly good condition, were the 
only articles on board which retained a semblance 
of their original shape. In short, so complete 
was the state of chaos and confusion in which 
we found this once fine vessel, which a few brief 
months before had so proudly anchored in New 
York harbor, that an adequate description is 
impossible, and, as we were conscious of a pro- 
nounced and very disagreeable odor emanating 
from the remains of some unfortunate Spanish 
sailors left on board, and which one of the most 
enterprising of our party had discovered in the 
conning-tower standing by the big gun, we beat 
a hasty retreat and returned, after a repetition 
of our scrambling experiences, to our tug, which 
was waiting in the near distance. 

The wreck of the Cristobal Colon we were 
unable to visit, she having run some forty miles 
further up the coast before being overtaken. 
We returned to Santiago, therefore, only delay- 



EXAMINING THE FORTIFICATIONS 187 

ing for an hour or so in order that we might 
examine more closely the defences of the re- 
doubtable Morro Castle, which are dealt with in 
another portion of this book. 

On a second trip, I visited and made a 
thorough examination of the Infanta Maria 
Theresa. This was probably the least injured 
of all the Spanish war-ships, and it is estimated 
that by an expenditure of some three millions of 
dollars this vessel can be made into a valuable 
man-of-war. At the same time I also visited 
and thoroughly examined the fortifications of 
the Punta Gorda and Socapa Batteries, both of 
which exhibited most skilful engineering. 



It was but natural that with most justifiable 
pride and satisfaction General Shafter turned 
from the glorious scene of triumph that had 
followed the hardships of this campaign, and 
dictated the following detailed information to his 
Government : 

Santiago de Cuba, July 17, 1898. 

Adjutant-General, U.S.A., 
Washington : 
I have the honor to announce that the American fla^ 
has been this instant, 12 o'clock noon, hoisted over the 
house of the civil government in the city of Santiago. 
An immense concourse of people present, a squadron 
of cavalry and a regiment of infantry presenting arms, 
and band playing national airs*. Light battery fired 



188 THE SANTIAGO CAMPAIGN 

salute twenty-one guns. Perfect order is being main- 
tained by municipal government. Distress is very 
great, but little sickness in town. Scarcely any yellow 
fever. A small gunboat and about 200 seamen left by 
Cervera have surrendered to me. Obstructions are 
being removed from mouth of harbor. Upon coming 
into the city 1 discovered a perfect entanglement of 
defences. Fighting as the Spaniards did the first day, 
it would have cost five thousand lives to have taken it. 
Battalions of Spanish troops have been depositing arms 
since daylight in armory, over which I have guard. 
General Toral formally surrendered the plaza and all 

stores at 9 a.m. 

W. R. Shafter, 

Major-General. 

Later in the day, after returning to camp, 
General Shafter informed Washington as follows 
with regard to the Spanish arms and ammunition 
captured : 

Headquarters 5th Army Corps, 

July 17, 1898. 
Adjutant-General, 

Washington : 
My ordnance officers report about seven thousand 
rifles turned in to-day, and six hundred thousand 
cartridges. At the mouth of the harbor there are quite 
a number of tine modern guns, about six-inch; also 
two batteries of mountain guns, together with a salut- 
ing battery of fifteen old bronze guns. Disarming and 
turning in will go on to-morrow. List of prisoners 

not vet taken. 

W. R. Shafter, 

Major- General. 



RIFLES AND AMMUNITION TURNED OVER 189 

The gathering of the Spanish armament 
occupied about two days, and on the nineteenth 
General Shafter cabled further information to 
the War Department as to the Spanish arms 
turned in, and garrisons surrendered : 

Headquarters 5th Army Corps, 

July 19, 1898. 
Adjutant-General, Washington : 

My ordnance officer reports over ten thousand rifles 
sent in, and about ten million rounds of ammunition. 
Send officers and troops to-morrow to receive sur- 
render of interior garrisons ; about two thousand at 
these places. Will send officers to receive surrender 
at coast garrison at Guantanamo, Boicbon (Baracoa) , 
and Saguci Pancinia (Sagua de Tanamo). 

W. K. Shafter, 

Major- General. 



CHAPTER XVI 

DESCRIPTION OF THE NEIGHBORING COUNTRY — THE 
TOWNS : DAIQUIRI, SIBONEY, SEVILLA, AND EL CANEY 

SUFFERINGS OF THE REFUGEES THE CITY OF 

SANTIAGO CAPTAIN FRY'S FATE RECALLED SPANISH 

ABUSE OF THE RED CROSS FLAG 

I PRESUME I should say a word regarding so 
much of Cuba as we have seen. It is a rolling 
country, exceedingly fertile, and in some respects 
quite attractive. It appears to be very free from 
such animals as rabbits, foxes, or squirrels; 
snakes also are scarce — I have seen only one 
since I came on the island, and that of a harmless 
species. 

The most abundant product that I have 
seen is the cocoanut; we passed through 
extensive groves, where I should say millions 
upon millions of cocoanuts could be gathered 
every year. General Castillo, who owns 
largely this character of land, told me that he 
sold his cocoanuts in Santiago, the price he 
got for them ranging from ten to fourteen dol- 
lars a thousand. Limes, which make a delicious 
beverage, grow very freely; and guavas, which 
are xavy palatable, also are found growing 
wild, and mangos grow in great abundance. 



A FRUITFUL LAND ILL-USED 191 

Pineapples grow well; coffee is a staple pro- 
duct of the province ; tobacco does very well, but 
is grown more abundantly in other provinces of 
the island. 

I also saw wild cotton, the stalks being fully 
twelve feet in height. Corn and melons of all 
kinds mature very rapidly. Fences are very 
cheaply made; small twigs of trees are planted 
along the side of the road and in eight months 
they have grown strong enough to nail a wire 
upon them, and it is by this means that most of 
the fences are constructed. The rich magnetic 
iron-ore is very abundant in Santiago Province, 
and is largety carried to i(ew York, Baltimore, 
and Philadelphia. 

The small towns were a great disappointment. 
Daiquiri has only about some twenty ordinary 
frame houses ; Siboney probably had a somewhat 
larger population. Sevilla, which is put on the 
map as a town, has now but the remains of one 
building, and of that there is left but little more 
than the framework. El Caney is a very ordi- 
nary town of some three or four hundred people. 
It has a very fine church. The eastern side of the 
town is occupied by people well to do who have 
servants, while the western side is inhabited by a 
squalid set of miserable creatures. When the 
commanding-general of Santiago notified the 
residents that the place would be bombarded, 
twenty-two thousand people left the city, eighteen 
thousand of them congregating in this town and 



192 THE SANTIAGO CAMPAIGN 

vicinity, while the others scattered around in 
neighboring fields. Their sufferings were fear- 
ful. Notwithstanding the great efforts on the 
part of the Government and the Red Cross to 
feed them, there was so little organization that 
many of them were traveling to and fro to 
various places in the hope of bettering themselves, 
and many suffered seriously from want of food. 
It was a pitiful sight to see men, women, and chil- 
dren, some of them bearing evidences of having 
enjoyed the comforts and probably even the luxu- 
ries of life, tramping through the mud and beg- 
ging for something to eat. 

The city of Santiago had a population vari- 
ously reported at from 50,000 to 71,000. It is 
one of the oldest cities in America, being founded 
in 1516. Like most Spanish or Mexican cities, 
the streets are narrow; there appears to be no 
sewerage, and the houses are old and poorly 
built; they have the large Spanish window en- 
closed with an iron grating, and, as you pass, 
the females of the family are generally standing 
in the window looking out through the bars. 

The principal streets are about twenty-three 
feet in width, having sidewalks of about thirty 
inches and a roadway of about eighteen feet. 
A few of the best streets are paved, the center 
being depressed, along which the sewerage from 
the houses is almost constantly running. Most of 
the streets are without pavements, and by far the 
greater part of the city is composed of squalid 



INTERIOR VIEWS OF THE CITY 193 

houses, where the people live with none of the 
comforts and few of the decencies of life. I no- 
ticed a number of stores which were attractive 
and neat. Dry-goods, Panama hats, and other do- 
mestic merchandise was tastefully arranged and 
had a fresh and inviting appearance. The best 
drug-stores also presented an appearance which 
compared well with stores of a like character in 
our country. The principal plaza is small, 
but very prettily arranged with walks, plants, 
and fountains. The plaza is bounded by the pal- 
ace of the civil governor, a large and well-con- 
structed building with marble and tiled floors. 
Opposite is the archbishop's cathedral, with a 
convent and nunnery attached ; the whole struct- 
ure comparing favorably with similar archi- 
tectural buildings in the United States, making 
due allowance for the age of the city. 

On the side to the left of the palace is the 
San Carlos Club ; a building with a very large 
and high veranda, marble and tiled floors, used as 
a first-class hotel, which is much frequented by 
Spanish officers and officials. The principal 
banking, commission, and shipping houses are 
located on the street immediately on the bay. 
This is a broad and well-constructed roadway, or 
rather two parallel roadways divided by a park- 
ing some twenty feet in width. From in front 
of this roadway project the piers, a prominent 
feature among which is a boat-club house built 
some hundred feet out in the bay, and connected 



194: THE SANTIAGO CAMPAIGN 

with the land by a tasteful wooden bridge. The 
club-house is now used as a hospital, and is one 
of the largest in Santiago. It was organized by 
Miss Clara Barton and Miss Annie E. Wheeler, 
the latter having been its superintendent from 
its inception. 

I have visited the bull-fighting ring. It is a 
large, roughly made wooden amphitheater, con- 
structed in the same temporary manner as that 
in which we construct our fair ground and 
exhibition stands, except that the building is 
enclosed all round in an exact circle, as nearly 
as I could observe. I also made two visits to 
the place where the victims of the Virginius — 
Captain Fry, formerly of the United States 
navy, and his followers — were executed. 

I employed two different guides to point out 
to me the exact spots they occupied, and the 
manner of their execution. They were made to 
kneel with their faces to the wall of a large 
butcher pen. Captain Fry was the center of a 
group of sixteen on the right hand of the gate 
as you nice the wall, while Lieutenant Ryan was 
the center of a like group to the left of the gate. 
These guides pointed out to me the spot, as they 
said, where Captain Fry knelt. I knelt myself 
upon the point indicated, with my face towards 
the wall, and asked them if that was the position 
occupied by Captain Fry; to which they replied 
in the affirmative. The reader will recollect 
that one of his last acts was to write a letter to 



BARBAROUS SPAIN 195 

General Grant, an old friend of his (the General 
was then President), asking him to secure for his 
wife some pay which was due to him when he 
resigned from the navy of the United States. 

Only a portion of the crew were shot. A 
British naval officer, hearing of the proceedings, 
sailed into the bay; and the British consul was 
obeyed when he demanded that the slaughter 
stop. 

After our successful assault of the numerous 
works of the enemy on July 1st, and after we 
had occupied the heights of San Juan Ridge, 
the city of Santiago was spread out before us, 
some two miles distant, like a panorama. We 
could plainly discern the huge amphitheater, the 
barracks, the cathedral, and many other build- 
ings ; and we were struck by the fact that 
nearly every building of any size or importance 
was j>rotected by the Red Cross flag. There 
was no doubt that the Spaniards had abused their 
privilege in this respect; and later inspection 
showed this to be correct. In front of the bar- 
racks, for instance, which had been converted 
into a large hospital, the Red Cross flag was in 
evidence in various parts of the building, and 
just in front of this hospital they had placed 
some guns, evidently with the idea of being 
able to fire at us from that locality, and prevent 
us from replying, owing to the Red Cross flag 
and hospital immediately in their rear. 



CHAPTER XYII 

OUR GENERALS IN THE CAMPAIGN THE SPANISH 

GENERALS AND CIVIL OFFICERS " SOCIETY OF THE 

ARMY OF SANTIAGO " GETTING THE TROOPS NORTH 

PLACED IN COMMAND AT MONTAUK POINT 

I HA YE already spoken of General Shatter, 
our commander. He is a man of more than 
ordinary intellect and force of character. The 
great success of the expedition, resulting in the 
capture of twenty-four thousand prisoners by 
an army of about two-thirds of that strength, is 
a full answer to the criticisms which were made 
by some of the papers regarding his conduct of 
the campaign. The most marked criticism that 
I have heard of him was that he spent too much 
time in attending to details; but the more I have 
thought of it the more I could see the evident ne- 
cessity of this. He gave special orders about the 
management of his pack-trains, and had special 
supervision of the bringing forward of rations 
and ammunition. These were the indispensable 
questions. Mismanagement in these depart- 
ments would have caused great suffering. The 
failure of one or two days' rations for the whole 



GENERAL SHAFTER 197 

army would have caused great suffering and would 
have been very serious, and it required all General 
Shafter's energy and administratability to prevent 
such a disaster. He was without a harbor, and 
was compelled to unload his ships on an open 
coast, often baffled by the waves and surf. The 
roads, especially after rains, became very bad 
and sometimes almost impassable, and yet from 
first to last General Shafter overcame these 
difficulties, and if any regiment failed to get 
sufficient rations for every day of the campaign 
it was probably owing to their own neglect or 
carelessness. 

His plan of the battle of July 1st was for 
General Lawton and General Bates to attack 
El Caney, which was defended by four hundred 
and sixty Spaniards. He expected this place 
to be taken in an hour, and Lawton and Bates 
were ordered then to move on toward Santiago 
by the Caney and Santiago road, where their left 
would join the right of our cavalry. Unfortu- 
nately, Lawton was occupied till nearly 4 o'clock 
with this undertaking, and by that time the fight 
at San Juan was practically over. Lawton then 
started to join the rest of the army; but, being 
met by fire from the Spaniards early in the 
night, he turned and made a circuit, so that he 
did not reach his destination until the next day. 
Bates had started earlier and his brigade reached 
the foot of San Juan Hill at daylight on the 
morning of the 2d. 



198 THE SANTIAGO CAMPAIGN 

General Lawton and the commander of his 
1st Brigade, General Chaffee, are both superb 
soldiers. They have spent their lives in military 
service and are thoroughly familiar with military 
business. General Ludlow — another of Law- 
ton's brigade commanders — is a very superior 
officer, though he is younger and has had less 
experience than either Lawton or Chaffee. Gen- 
eral Bates is also a very superior soldier, and in 
a long military life has built up a most enviable 
reputation. 

General Kent was a schoolmate of mine at 
West Point. He has always stood very high in 
the army as an officer of the most excellent qual- 
ities. He commanded the 1st Division of In- 
fantry, which went into the battle on the left of 
the cavalry. As I was directed to give instruc- 
tions to him, as well as to my cavalry command, 
his conduct was under my own personal observa- 
tion. This was rather necessary, as my cavalry 
and his division were the only troops that at- 
tacked San Juan, and as General Shafter was 
responsible for the entire army, he very properly 
took a position where he could observe the troops 
at Caney, as well as those at San Juan. The 
distance between the two places being some six 
miles, it really made two separate battles which 
it became General Shafter's duty to direct. As 
will be seen, the orders that I received since the 
25th had virtually placed me in command of the 
troops on shore, and this character of delegated 



THE OTHER GENERALS 199 

control to me was continued to a certain degree 
until some time after General Shafter had come 
ashore. I always had had a high opinion of 
General Kent, but his management of his divi- 
sion in this engagement increased my admiration 
for him. 

Gen. Hamilton S. Hawkins, who commanded 
his 1st Brigade, was also at West Point with 
me. He was greatly distinguished in the battle, 
exhibiting courage and determination. He was 
wounded on the evening of July 2d; and very 
properly he and General Kent, General Lawton, 
General Chaffee, and eventually General Sumner, 
were all of them promoted to the rank of major- 
general. General Young, who was absent sick, 
had been distinguished in the Battle of Las 
Guasimas, and I recommended him very strongly 
to the Government for promotion, and I am 
very glad that he received promotion also. He 
is an officer of large experience, and in all 
respects possesses the very highest qualifica- 
tions. General Ludlow had only been in com- 
mand for a few days; he was raised as an 
officer of engineers, but his management as a 
commander of soldiers, while brief, has been 
most creditable. 

I saw a good deal of the Spanish Commander 
of Division, Don Jose Toral, and also of General 
Don Federico Escario. Both of these offi- 
cers stand high in their army, and they im- 
pressed me very favorably. General Escario 



200 THE SANTIAGO CAMPAIGN 

won his brigadier-generalship by the rapid and 
skilful march by which he reinforced General 
Toral. He marched some two thousand five 
hundred men a distance of some fifty miles, and 
on his approach to the city was opposed by 
General Garcia; he, however, drove back that 
officer and reached the city without difficulty. 

General Linares, who commanded the troops 
at Las Guasimas on the 21th, and at San Juan 
on the 1st, was severely wounded towards the 
close of that action. I had some correspondence 
with him, and had quite a talk with him one morn- 
ing. He was lying in bed, his arm bandaged 
up and resting upon a pillow. It had given him 
much pain, and had caused him to have an almost 
constant fever. This officer impressed me very 
favorably; he is a lieutenant-general in the 
Spanish army, and evidently a man highly re- 
garded by his countrymen. 

When I went to the palace at the time of the 
capitulation I met the archbishop, the civil gover- 
nor, the judges, and other public functionaries. 
Of course I could not judge much of them in 
a short interview, but they did not impress me 
at all as well as the ordinary American official. 

The attention of the country has been at- 
tracted by the number of people of wealth who 
enlisted in the army as privates or went into 
the Santiago campaign with subordinate commis- 
sions. Prominent among these was John Jacob 
Astor, a man said to be worth some hundred mil- 



RICH YOUNG AMERICANS IN THE RANKS 201 

lion dollars, who went to the front and incurred the 
dangers and underwent the hardships incident to 
the campaign. Among others I might mention 
were his cousins, William Astor Chanler and 
Mr. Woodbury Kane. These three members of 
the Astor family left their luxurious homes and 
went with the army to Cuba. I think the first 
is the only instance on record of a man with the 
wealth of Colonel Astor voluntarily incurring the 
hardships and risks which were involved in so 
arduous and dangerous a campaign. Many other 
similar instances could be mentioned, among them 
young Lieutenant Tiffany, 1 Major Creighton 
Webb, Henry Bull, Craig Wadsworth, Joseph 
Stevens, Captain Brice — son of Senator Brice, 
and young Sergeant Hamilton Fish, who fell 
while bravely fighting at Las Guasimas — the 
first battle on Cuban soil. 



On Sunday, August 1st, officers from the 
various organizations which had participated in 
the campaign met at the palace in Santiago. 
The meeting was called to order by General 
Lawton, who explained that the object of the 
meeting was to establish the " Society of the 
Army of Santiago," and upon his motion General 
Wheeler was unanimously elected chairman. 

'From exhaustion following the voyage north in a transport, weak- 
ened by fever, Lieutenant Tiffany died in Boston, soon after landing, 
and before he could be removed thence to his home in New York. 



202 THE SANTIAGO CAMPAIGN 

Upon taking the chair, General Wheeler ad- 
dressed his fellow-officers as follows: 

Gentlemen : I thank you for the honor of being 
called as the temporary chairman of this gathering of my 
fellow-officers, who have met to consider the advisa- 
bility of organizing a Society of the Army of Santiago. 

The rapidly occurring events of the campaign of the 
past live or six weeks have been of a character which 
will ever brine; together the hearts of those who have 
participated. 

This army by its endurance and courage has already 
won the admiration of the civilized world, and it is 
most natural and appropriate that men who have stood 
shoulder to shoulder in such a struggle, crowned us it 
has been with glorious victory, should desire to cherish 
and perpetuate such memories. 

[General Wheeler adverted to the historic character 
and value of similar societies, which had been organ- 
ized at the close of the several wars in which our 
country has been engaged ; enumerating the Order of 
the Cincinnati, organized by Washington's officers at 
the close of the American Revolution, the Society of 
the War of 1812, the Aztec Society, which grew out 
of the war with Mexico, and the various societies 
growing out of the War of 1861-G5.] 

The campaign in which we have been engaged, 
though brief in duration, has probably been more fruit- 
ful in results than those of any of the wars I have 
mentioned, and will certainly be classed as one of the 
most remarkable in military history; and, in closing, I 
repeat, has made this army famous throughout the 
world. 



OFFICERS OF THE NEW SOCIETY 203 

Upon the motion of General Ludlow, the 
chairman appointed the following officers to 
draw up a constitution and by-laws: 

General Ludlow, General Bates, 

General Lawtox, Capt. Woodbury Kane, 

General Kent, Lieut. J. D. Miley. 

The meeting then adjourned, to assemble at 
the same place at 3 o'clock, Sunday, August 7th. 
At the adjourned meeting, the committee on 
by-laws and the constitution were unable to 
make a further report than to recommend 
that the society proceed to elect a president, 
vice-president, and secretary. General Wheeler 
requested General Lawton to take the chair; and, 
after speaking in complimentary terms of Gene- 
ral Shatter, he nominated him as the permanent 
president of the society. General Wheeler's 
motion was unanimously adopted. General 
Wheeler was elected vice-president ; and Major 
F. D. Sharpe, secretary. The chair appointed a 
committee, who notified General Shafter of his 
unanimous election as president; after which the 
society adjourned, to meet at the call of the 
president. 

After the surrender on the 17th, the only duty 
left for the army to perform was to guard the 
unarmed Spanish prisoners; but the hardships 
and exposures to which our troops had been sub- 
jected had so seriously affected the health of the 



204 THE SANTIAGO CAMPAIGN 

entire command, that the army surgeons made a 
unanimous report that a change in locality was 
absolutely essential to restore the command to 
health. 

It must be remembered that this army was 
composed of two regiments from Massachu- 
setts, one from New York, two from Michigan, 
one from Ohio, one from Illinois, one from the 
District of Columbia, and the "Rough Riders" 
Regiment, about one-half of which came from 
the North and most of the rest from the healthy 
plains of New Mexico and Texas. These or- 
ganizations, together with the regular army, 
most of which was from the North and nearly all 
of which had for years been stationed in the 
extreme North, were the composition of the 
army in Cuba. It would have been difficult 
to have found a body of men so ill-adapted to 
maintain its health in the tropical and malarious 
climate of this part of Cuba in the sickly season. 

To make matters worse, this army had left the 
ships without carrying with it any tents; and 
had slept upon the ground for more than three 
weeks, with no protection whatever from the 
severe dews of night and the alternations of the 
heavy rain and the torrid sun of the day. On 
the morning of the Battle of San Juan the army 
was compelled to wade the San Juan River, many 
of the officers and soldiers becoming soaked to 
their waists ; and, as they were without a change 
of clothes or shoes, they were wet for days. 



THE CAVALRY DIVISION RE-EMBARKED 205 

The necessary consequence was, that after 
the capitulation of July 17th, the naturally 
strong men who composed this army had be- 
come so weak that a march of five miles was 
almost an impossibility. By August 1st, this 
condition, instead of becoming improved, as was 
hoped, had grown steadily worse. By that time 
the immune regiments had arrived in Santiago, 
and orders were received for the embarkation 
of General Shatter's army. 

From the day of the capitulation on the 17th, 
I had urged most strenuously that the Cavalry 
Division be sent to Porto Rico, as I felt that the 
five days' voyage, together with the change of cli- 
mate and diet, would put them in good campaign- 
ing condition ; and I am still impressed that such 
a movement would have resulted in the favor- 
able way that I anticipated. Unfortunately, my 
repeated applications for my command to go to 
Porto Rico were not acted upon, and on August 
6th I was directed to embark my command upon 
the Gate City, Matteawan, and Miami. I there- 
fore directed General Sumner to go in advance 
on the Gate City, and, after the Matteawan had 
pulled out into the bay, I, in compliance with 
orders, went on board the Miami with seven 
hundred of my men and sailed out of the har- 
bor on Monday, August 8th. 

On Monday night we sailed through the 
Windward Channel, passing Cape Maisa at 
3.10 a.m. Tuesday. We passed Castle Island 



206 THE SANTIAGO CAMPAIGN 

Light-house at 4.40 Tuesday afternoon. "We 
passed Wattling's Island at 5 o'clock on Wed- 
nesday morning, August 10th. Upon this island 
Columbus landed, four hundred and six years 
ago. "Very few houses except those occupied 
by light-house keepers could be seen on Castle 
Island. It is a low island rising but a little 
above the water. The chief occupation of the 
inhabitants is fishing and catching sea-turtles. 

Our ship then took a direct line for Montauk 
Point, which threw us some four hundred miles 
east of the Florida coast, and quite out of range 
of the usual line of travel. Our voyage was 
therefore without moment, our efforts being 
specially directed to taking care of the sick. 
On Thursday night we lost by death Sergeant 
George Walsh, a soldier of Troop A, 1st United 
States Volunteer Cavalry ; and on Friday morn- 
ing he was buried with the usual soldierly and 
Christian services. 

AVe sailed into the harbor at Montauk Point 
on Sunday, August 14th, and disembarked next 
day. I was at once summoned to Washington 
by the President; who, together with the Secre- 
tary of War, gave me a very pleasant interview, 
and ordered me to return to Montauk Point and 
lake command of the troops at that place. This 
involved the supervision of the disembarkation 
of troops, the locating of camps, the erection 
of tents, and the caring for the numerous sick, 
with which important work I am still engaged. 



CHAPTEK XVIII 

CAMP WIKOFF, MONT AUK POINT SANITARY CARE OF 

THE SOLDIERS GIFTS FROM THE AMERICAN PEO- 
PLE, OF MONEY, GOODS, AND PERSONAL SERVICE 

A STATEMENT TO THE ASSOCIATED PRESS VISITS 

OF THE SECRETARY OF WAR, PRESIDENT MCKINLEY, 
AND SURGEON-GENERAL STERNBERG 

I]S" the space of less than three weeks, twenty 
thousand soldiers, fully half of whom were 
suffering from diseases contracted in Cuba, were 
landed upon the barren fields of Montauk Point, 
Long Island. Hospitals, storehouses, and tents 
for the soldiers were erected. Nurses, physicians, 
and medicines for three thousand sick were 
brought from the various localities where they 
could be found, and shelters provided for them, 
aud they were installed in the various wards of 
the mammoth hospitals. To be brief, a city of 
twenty-two thousand people (the actual number 
which landed at this place from Cuba being 
21,221), half of them invalids, was erected in 
this brief space of time ; and medicines, provi- 
sions, transportation, sanitary contrivances, and 
all else necessary to such a city were provided. 
So perfectly was this done that, on September 



208 THE SANTIAGO CAMPAIGN 

5th, Dr. Sands, the eminent Chicago physician, 
stated that the fever patients at the camp at 
Montank Point were better taken care of, both 
medically and in nursing, than in any other 
hospital he had ever seen ; and that, in fact, 
the convalescents were living luxuriously. 

The Pennsylvania and New York Central 
railroad companies notified me of their decision 
to issue, to the officers and men of the various 
commands who were going home on furlough 
and paying their own transportation, tickets at 
half rate ; no letter of authority being necessary, 
the tickets being freely issued to any one wearing 
the uniform of a soldier. 

It is pleasant to report that no sooner had this 
camp been thoroughly established, than offers of 
money, help, and supplies came in in such quan- 
tities from all parts of the United States as to 
speak well for the liberality of the American 
people. 

One gentleman who does not wish his name 
mentioned telegraphed me that he had placed to 
my personal credit the sum of $5,000 to be ex- 
pended by me in such a way as I thought best, 
to increase the comfort of the soldiers. I pre- 
ferred, however, not to expend this money myself, 
and so notified my generous correspondent ; who 
afterwards spent it in sending a barge of ice to 
Montank Point for the use of the command. 

Mr. Stuyvesant Fish, President of the Illinois 
Central Railroad, telegraphed me, offering $1,000. 



SOME OF THE DONATIONS 209 

The Messrs. Kane, Tan Cortland & Co., of 
New York, offered also a large sum of money ; 
and Mrs. Ireland sent her steamboat " Kelpie," 
loaded with delicacies. 

The Hon. Sherman Hoar, 1 on behalf of the 
Massachusetts Volunteer Aid Association, do- 
nated cargoes of very valuable supplies; as did 
also The Merchants' Association of New York; 
the War Relief Committee of Philadelphia; the 
Hon. George F. Hoar, of Worcester, Mass.; the 
Hon. Melville Bull; Mrs. S. E. Winthrop, and 
Mr. C. Dorcher, and others, of Newport, R.I. 

We were similarly indebted to Mr. D. W. 
Lord and a committee from Illinois; to Com- 
mander Gerry, who in person donated stores 
for the sick, bringing them to Montauk Point 
in his own yacht ; to Commissioner Powers of 
the United States Fish Commission, who sent 
one thousand pounds of fresh fish for distribution 
to the soldiers ; to Mrs. K. M. Bostwick of the 
Woman's Veteran Auxiliary Corps of Brooklyn, 
Mrs. R. B. Cooley of the Soldiers' Relief Com- 
mittee, Poughkeepsie, N.Y., and to R. S. How- 
land, esq., editor of the Providence " Journal." 

The Murray Hill Hotel, New York, gratui- 
tously furnished our hospital with forty quarts 
consomme daily; and Mr. George H. Cassidy, 
New York, offered to receive into his home, 

1 Mr. Hoar died at his home, Concord, Mass., Oct. 7, 1898, of 
typhoid-pneumonia, caused by his overwork in twice visiting the 
several camps in which were Massachusetts volunteers, and providing 
for their comfort through the Massachusetts Volunteer Aid Association. 



210 THE SANTIAGO CAMPAIGN 

furnishing medical attendance and nurses free of 
charge, a number of our soldiers who needed 
such care. 

Mr. Charles Pullman of Watch Hill, E.I , 
and his colleagues, did most excellent work in 
donating supplies and superintending their dis- 
tribution at the Detention Hospital ; while the 
kindly interest manifested in the welfare of the 
soldiers by Mrs. S. N". McMaster, then staying 
at Watch Hill, and by my numerous other cor- 
respondents in all parts of the United States, 
was much appreciated. 

A complete list of the generous-hearted people 
who gave freely of their substance for the benefit 
of the soldiers is impossible; but mention cannot 
be omitted of the help given by the officials of 
the "Red Cross" and other kindred societies; or 
of the liberality of Miss Helen M. Gould, whose 
donations probably far exceeded any like gifts 
ever made before for such a purpose, and who 
personally devoted her time and efforts to relieve 
the sufferings of the soldiers. 

Almost every mail brought me sums of money 
from one to one thousand dollars to be expended 
in like manner, but I felt it my duty to decline 
to accept all such remittances, feeling that it 
would not be right for the Commanding General 
to have sums of money placed to his personal 
credit for this purpose. I made it a rule, how- 
ever, to suggest that those who wished to pro- 
vide comforts for the soldiers should send an 



EXTRA SUPPLIES AND TRAINED NURSES 211 

agent here who could use his discretion and 
order whatever supplies he thought were most 
needed; and, in nearly every case, this sugges- 
tion was acted upon, and the money expended in 
purchasing desirable supplies. 

Shortly after taking command it was deemed 
advisable to establish more hospitals and increase 
the hospital supplies; and complete outfits for 
this purpose were telegraphed for to New York 
and promptly installed. 

When the pleasing duty of commanding this 
large army of 20,000 men, many of whom were 
very sick, was intrusted to me, the President 
particularly instructed me to spare no expense 
in providing for the comfort of the soldiers and 
in endeavoring to restore the sick to health. 
Accordingly, I took upon myself the responsi- 
bility of ordering large amounts of extra supplies 
and the nourishing articles of diet which I judged 
necessary, and some little hitch at first occurred 
in the Commissary Department at Washing- 
ton with regard to this additional expenditure ; 
yet in a very short time these luxuries were at 
the disposal of every soldier. Permission was 
also obtained from the War Department for the 
expenditure by surgeons of money, not to exceed 
sixty cents per day per man, in purchasing un- 
usual and extra supplies for the sick under their 
care. 

Some hundred trained nurses were brought 



212 THE SANTIAGO CAMPAIGN 

here, and authority given to employ extra phys- 
icians, cooks, hospital stewards, and all other 
persons whose services were necessary to a com- 
mand of this size and importance. Special 
attention was given to the abundant supply of 
medicines, and to the construction of the nec- 
essary hospital accommodation, until in the last 
days of August I telegraphed the authorities in 
"Washington that I had just been through the 
hospitals, that the health of the command was 
improving very much, that every possible care 
was taken of the men, and that all the sick to 
whom I spoke assured me that the pure air at 
this place was bracing them up and rapidly re- 
storing them to health. 

A doubt being cast upon the continuance of 
the purity of the water supply, a mammoth fil- 
tering-plant was purchased and erected at a cost 
of some seven thousand dollars. 

Within a few days a steam laundry was erected 
for the sole purpose of laundering clothing and 
linen for the sick, its capacity being sufficient to 
do all this work lor five or sick thousand inval- 
ids. A disinfecting machine was also erected 
by which all the clothing and linen of the hos- 
pitals was thoroughly disinfected. 

Five hundred chairs were sent for the use of 
the convalescents who were able to get off their 
cots, and so far did the solicitude of the govern- 
ment go for the soldiers who had been in Santi- 
ago that men who were not acquainted in New 



CONVALESCENTS ATTENDED HOME 213 

York were not permitted to leave on the evening 
train for that city, the authorities fearing they 
would arrive there too weak, and, being in a 
strange city, would not know where to go. 

The convalescents that were put on the 
trains had attendants, so that they should not 
suffer en route. A competent officer and men 
were detailed at Long Island City to meet all 
trains and provide comfortable lodgings for 
them, and to see that they were fully instructed 
as to how to go to take their trains. On the 
New York side, also, there were ambulances for 
those who were not able to walk or to hire car- 
riages to convey them to their places of destina- 
tion. The Red Cross Society joined nobly in 
this work. In connection with the officers and 
soldiers detailed from the army, they arranged to 
meet all trains from Montauk Point, assisted in 
collecting the furloughed men, to the number of 
seventy-five or one hundred each day, and to 
give them food and shelter for the night after 
they arrived in Long Island City. Money was 
also donated for the same purpose by the Mer- 
chants' Association of New York and the New 
York Board of Trade, who heartily co-operated 
in the work. 

Large numbers of letters reached me every 
day from anxious relatives asking of the where- 
abouts and well-being of their relations; and 
special arrangements were made to investigate 



214 THE SANTIAGO CAMPAIGN 

promptly and telegraph immediate replies; the 
Government even authorizing, in case informa- 
tion was desired concerning any certain soldier 
of whom no trace could be found in camp, and 
who it was thought had probably been left be- 
hind in Santiago, to cable directly to that point, 
at the expense of the Government, in order to 
furnish information to his friends. 

Notwithstanding that doctors, nurses, hospital 
stewards, and all necessary supplies were in 
abundance, and that a small army of civilian 
laborers, carpenters, teamsters, and other work- 
men were busily engaged in their respective de- 
partments; that there were unlimited supplies of 
delicacies for the sick; and that everything was 
done which hand could do and brain devise for 
the well-being of the soldiers, yet so numerous 
had become the newspaper articles concerning 
what they were pleased to call the maladministra- 
tion and mismanagement at our military camps, 
and which according to them had entailed un- 
told hardships and privations upon our brave 
soldiers, and so many private letters were re- 
ceived by me from relatives of soldiers regard- 
ing the hitter's well-being, that, on September 
2d, I determined to make a full statement to the 
Associated Press on this subject, — which state- 
ment was in these words: 

The following is a sample of the letters we are con- 
stantly receiving regarding the soldiers in the camp : 



SPIRIT OF THE SOLDIERS THEMSELVES 215 

In regard to my stepson, we feel very uneasy about him on ac- 
count of the newspaper reports of the privation and suffering in- 
flicted on the private soldiers. Although he has never uttered a 
complaint since he has been in the army, we hear from other 
sources of the cruel and horrible treatment inflicted on our own 
soldiers under the pretence of humanity for our neighbors, and 
the whole country is in a state of terrible excitement. I should 
not be surprised if the feeling should lead to a revolution of some 
kind, for I assure you I hear on all sides the most violent and 
bitter denunciations of the War Department and the Administra- 
tion. It is, indeed, a great pity that the glory of our triumph 
should be dimmed by such a shameful thing as the ill-treatment 
and starvation of our own brave soldiers, while the Spanish pris- 
oners have the best treatment that the country can afford. 

It w r ill be seen that this letter says that not a word of 
complaint has been received from this soldier, and, so 
far as my investigation goes, no complaint has been 
made by any of the brave soldiers that have added 
glory to our arms in the Cuban campaign. A great 
many anxious fathers, mothers, brothers, or sisters ar- 
rive here from all parts of the United States to look 
after their relatives, who, they say, the papers tell 
them are suffering, and many of them have heard that 
their relatives are in a condition of starvation. Most 
of these people are little able to expend the money for 
such a journey, and they are surprised when they come 
here to find their relatives surrounded with everything 
to eat which can be procured by money, and, if sick, in 
hospital. They are gratified and surprised to find that 
they receive every possible care. 

In reply to a direct request that I give the exact 
facts as I see them, I will state that every officer and 
soldier who went to Cuba regarded that he received a 
great and special privilege in being permitted to engage 
in that campaign. They knew they were to encounter 
yellow fever and other diseases as well as the torrid 



216 THE SANTIAGO CAMPAIGN 

heat of the country, and they were proud and glad to 
do so. They knew that it was impossible for them to 
have the advantage of wagon transportation, which 
usually accompanies armies, and yet officers and men 
were glad to go, to carry their blankets and their 
rations on their backs, and to be subjected without any 
shelter to the sun and rains by day and the heavy dew 
by night. They certainly knew that the Spaniards had 
spent years in erecting defences, and it was their 
pleasure to assault and their duty to capture the Span- 
ish works. They were more than glad to incur these 
hardships and these dangers. They went there and did 
their duty ; each man seeming to feel that American 
honor and prestige were to be measured by his conduct. 

The brave men who won the victories did not com- 
plain of the neglect of the government, but, on the 
contrary, they seemed grateful to the President and 
the Secretary of War for giving them the opportunity 
to incur these dangers and hardships. They realized 
that in the hurried organization of an expedition by a 
government which had no one with any experience in 
such matters it was impossible to have everything 
arranged to perfection ; and they will testify that under 
the circumstances the conditions were much more per- 
fect than any one could have reason to expect, and that 
the President and the Secretary of War and others who 
planned and despatched this expedition deserve high 
commendation. 

One reason why our army was lacking in some 
respects in equipment was that a telegram was received 
from Admiral Sampson stating that if the army reached 
there immediately they could take the city at once, 
but if there was delay the fortifications of the Spaniards 
would be so perfected that there might be great dim- 



THE SELECTION OF MONTAUK POINT 217 

culty in taking it. On receiving this despatch from 
Admiral Sampson the War Department directed the 
army to move at once, and, as all connected with the 
army will recall, the orders were received after dark, 
and the army was in motion, had travelled nine miles, 
and was on the ships at daylight. When the expedi- 
tion sailed for Cuba it went there escorted by a large 
fleet of warships. 

At that time it was regarded as impossible for a 
merchant ship to sail on the ocean safely from any 
American port to Santiago, but as soon as the Spanish 
fleet was destroyed, so that it was possible for unarmed 
ships to sail safely to Santiago, the generous people of 
the United States subscribed money without limit and 
despatched ship after ship, loaded with luxuries and 
delicacies for the Santiago army, and everything that 
could be accomplished for their comfort was done by 
the President and Secretary of War. After the sur- 
render had been completed and arrangements perfected 
for transporting the Spanish army to Spain the Presi- 
dent and Secretary of War sent ships into Santiago 
and transported our army to one of the most healthful 
localities in the United States. The point selected by 
the Secretary of War was so situated that thorough pro- 
tection was given to the people of the United States 
from the danger of yellow fever contagion. The 
soldiers upon their arrival at this place received every 
care and bounty which could be procured by money. 
The President and the Secretary of War directed that 
their health and comfort should be cared for without 
reference to expense, and in addition the people within 
a circuit of three hundred miles vied with each other in 
shipping to them carloads and steamboat loads of luxu- 
ries of all kinds. 



218 THE SANTIAGO CAMPAIGN 

I have just finished my daily inspection of the hos- 
pitals. With rare exceptions the sick are cheerful and 
improving. I have nurses and doctors to care for them 
and in all my many tours I have not seen a single 
patient who made the slightest complaint. It is true 
that there has been suffering, and great suffering. The 
climate of Cuba was very severe upon all our soldiers, 
and with rare exceptions they were stricken by severe 
illness ; but instead of complaining, the hearts of these 
brave men are filled with gratitude to the people for the 
bounteous generosity which have been extended to them. 

There is no doubt that there have been individual cases 
of suffering and possibly neglect among the soldiers, 
not only in Cuba, but since their arrival at this place. 
Nearly 20,000 men were brought from a yellow fever 
district to the United States. It would have been 
criminal to have landed them and allowed them to go 
promiscuously among the people. It has been stated by 
physicians that if it had been done yellow fever would 
have spread through many of our States. To avoid such 
a catastrophe, a point which is more thoroughly isolated 
from the people than any other locality which could be 
found was selected. By these wise means the country 
has been saved from a scourge of this fearful disease. 

Every one will realize that to land 18,000 men and 
put them on bare fields without any buildings whatever 
could not be done without some hardships. Over 
5,000 very sick men have been received in the general 
hospital and as many more sick have been cared for in 
the camps, and yet only about sixty deaths have oc- 
curred in these hospitals. Tents had to be erected and 
hospitals constructed and preparations made to supply 
these 18,000 with wholesome water, food, medicines, 
physicians, nurses, cooks, hospital furniture, wagons, 



SECRETARY ALGER'S VISIT 219 

ambulances, and the other numerous needs essential to 
caring for 18,000 men, fully half of whom are very 
sick or in a feeble physical condition. In addition 
to this, most of the bedding and much of the clothing 
was left in Santiago to prevent yellow fever infection. 
All of these deficiencies have had to be supplied. We 
had but one line of railroad to bring these supplies 
and sometimes there have been delays. 

On August 24th, the Secretary of "War paid 
a visit to Montauk Point. He made a thorough 
investigation of all parts of the camp, and was 
much pleased with what he saw. He stayed here 
two days, and slept under canvas one night. 
His visit was productive of much good and 
attended by very beneficial results. On August 
28th, after his departure, I telegraphed the Sec- 
retary of War in these words: 

The orders which you issued when here are still 
having a beneficial effect, and are causing a constant 
improvement. Things are better than when you left, 
except that the fever is developing in a great many 
who came off the ships, which makes our list look large. 

Wheeler, 

Commanding. 

It was a gratification for me to learn from Sec- 
retary Alger that the President also purposed 
visiting the camp within the next few days, and 
I accordingly, on August 26th, telegraphed the 
Chief Executive as follows: 



220 THE SANTIAGO CAMPAIGN 

August 26, 1898. 
President : I was very glad to hear that you 
would visit Moutauk Point very soon. The visit of 
the Secretary of War has accomplished more than I 
can express. He has promptly corrected evils and 
made valuable suggestions, and given directions regard- 
ing administration. In addition, his personal visit to 
1,500 sick soldiers in the hospital has cheered them up, 
and it is difficult to adequately convey to you the change 
for the better since the Secretary's arrival. The an- 
nouncement that you were to visit the soldiers has 
already added to this improvement ; and your presence 
here for even a single day will accomplish good, the 
great extent of which you can only realize after you 
make your visit. 

Wheeler, 
Maj. - Gen . , Commanding . 

Following" is a letter I wrote the President 



'n 



Headquarters U.S. Forces, 
Camp Wikoff, L.I., August 31, 1898. 

Hon. William Mckinley, 

President U.S.A., Meadville, Pa. : 
Dear Mr. President : I am very glad indeed to 
hear that you will be at Montauk on Saturday. The 
Secretary states that you wish the visit to be very 
informal, but I know you will not object to the pre- 
parations that have been made. We have arranged to 
tire the President's salute, and a regiment .of cavalry 
with the band will meet you at the depot. Will you 
please telegraph me the hour at which you will arrive? 



THE SURGEON-GENERAL SATISFIED 221 

I hope you will stay over at least one night and 
sleep in camp. I have a tent all fixed for you, and 
nothing would please the soldiers more than to know 
that the President of the United States had slept in a 
camp which contains nearly all the regular army, and that 
his accommodations were precisely the same as those 
they enjoyed. The Secretary of War slept in camp 
one night and was very much pleased with his night's 
rest. 

Very respectfully, 

Jos. Wheeler, 

Major- General Commanding . 

Early on the morning of September 3d, the 
President and party arrived to make his visit of 
inspection, with the details of which the country 
is familiar. 

September 6th, General Sternberg, Surgeon- 
General of the Army, also paid a visit to the 
camp, and after a rigid inspection of all its de- 
partments expressed himself as highly gratified 
at the result of his investigation. 

The " New York World " on September 7th, in 
reporting this visit, quotes the Surgeon-General 
as saying: "It is the finest place in the United 
States, and the water is all right. Lieutenant- 
Colonel Smart's present investigation is the 
second on his part. The first analysis of the 
water was made before the camp was opened, 
and we are having another analysis made, largely 
to reassure the public." 



CHAPTER XIX 

MUSTERING OUT THE REGIMENTS FAREWELLS 

OX August 27th orders were received from 
Washington to prepare the 71st New York 
Volunteer Infantry to be sent on furlough, at the 
expiration of which time they were to be mustered 
out. I thereupon addressed to them the follow- 
ing letter : 

Headquarters U.S. Forces, 
Camp Wikoff, L.I., Aug. 27, 1898. 

To the Officers and Soldiers of the 71st Regi- 
ment, New York Vol. Infantry : 

Pursuant to the directions of the President, you will 
proceed to your homes and friends to receive the wel- 
come which Americans love to accord returning heroes 
who have fought, endured, and suffered for the sake of 
country, its honor and its prestige. 

This short but severe campaign has made ours the 
leading among the great countries of the earth, and you 
have done your full part in this great accomplishment. 
Your comrades who fell in battle, and those who became 
victims of disease in a tropical clime, will be revered 
and honored, not only by the people of your Empire 
State, but by the seventy millions of this great republic. 



FAREWELLS 223 

In bidding you adieu, I shall always remember each 
and all of you as honored comrades of the Santiago 
Campaign, the effect of which, in importance and far- 
reaching benefits to our Republic, can hardly be esti- 
mated. 

Jos. Wheeler, 

Major- General Commanding. 

I here insert my farewell letter to the officers 
and soldiers of the 33d and 34th Michigan Vol- 
unteers, when they left camp on furlough, prior 
to being mustered out : 

Headquarters U.S. Forces, 
Camp Wikoff, L.L, Sept. 1, 1898. 

To the Officers and Soldiers of the 33d and 
34th Michigan Volunteer Infantry : 

When your country called upon the brave men of the 
West to rally to the standard which waves as the em- 
blem of American liberty, you were among the first to 
respond. You made no request but to be given the 
post of danger and honor. You gladly faced the torrid 
sun and the disease of a tropical climate. You bravely 
hastened to the firing line in front of Santiago, and 
nobly did your duty as heroic soldiers. 

During this short but sharp campaign, in which you 
well performed your part, our country was elevated to 
a leading position among the greatest nations of the 
earth. Your work having been accomplished, the Sec- 
retary of War directs that you proceed to your homes, 
where the people of your great commonwealth await 
your coming, eager to shower plaudits and honors upon 
you. 

To those of your comrades whose lives became a 



224 THE SANTIAGO CAMPAIGN 

sacrifice to the cause you so bravely upheld, we rever- 
ently how our heads; and it will be the delight of 
a grateful country to cherish and perpetuate their 
memories. 

You take with you to your homes my best wishes for 
your prosperity and happiness, and in bidding you 
adieu, with my whole heart I say, may God give you 
His best blessing ! 

Joseph Wheeler, 
Major- General U.S.V., Commanding. 

Shortly after the Michigan regiments had left, 
the 8th Ohio, the 1st District of Columbia, and 
the 1st Volunteer Cavalry were also ordered 
to prepare for departure, and the following 
are the letters of farewell to these regiments, re- 
spectively : 

To the Officers and Soldiers of the 8th Ohio 
Volunteer Infantry : 

By direction of the Secretary of War you are to pro- 
ceed to your homes, where you will receive the heart- 
felt welcome and generous plaudits of the people of the 
great State of Ohio. 

You were prompt to answer the call of your country. 
You eagerly sought to meet your country's foes upon 
far distant foreign soil. You braved deadly disease in 
a tropical land. You did your full duty in a war which 
has won for us the highest place among the nations of 
the earth. 

In bidding you adieu, I wish you Godspeed, and 
may health, prosperity, and honor be showered upon 
you. 

Joseph Wheeler, 
Major- General Commanding . 



FAREWELLS 225 

Headquarters U.S. Forces, 
Camp Wikoff, L.I., Sept. 6, 1898. 
To the 1st District of Columbia Volunteer 
Infantry : 
The purpose for which you so promptly gave your 
services to your country has been accomplished. You 
were among the first to respond to the nation's call to 
arms. In the face of tropical suns you hastened to the 
scene of conflict, and with eager steps marched to the 
front of our line of battle at Santiago, and together 
with your brave comrades engaged your country's foes 
until you saw them surrender their strongholds and lay 
down their arms at the feet of the valorous American 
army. 

The results of this campaign, in which you did your 
full duty, have been so momentous and beneficial as to 
win for you and your fellow soldiers the applause and 
gratitude of your countrymen. 

In bidding you adieu, I beg to express my personal 
admiration for the fortitude, endurance, and soldierly 
qualities which you displayed, and to wish for you eve im- 
possible blessing and the best prosperity and happiness. 

Jos. Wheeler, 
Major- General U.S.V. 

Headquarters Cavalry Division, 
Camp Wikoff, L.I., Sept. 7, 1898. 
To the Officers and Soldiers of the Cavalry 
Division, Army of Santiago : 
The duties for which the troops comprising the Cav- 
alry Division were brought together have been accom- 
plished. 

On June 14th we sailed from Tampa, Florida, to 
encounter in the sickly season the diseases of the 



22(5 THE SANTIAGO CAMPAIGN 

tropical Island of Cuba, and to face and attack the 
historic legions of Spain in positions chosen by them 
and which for years they had been strengthening by 
every contrivance and art known to the skilful military 
engineers of Europe. 

On the 23d one squadron each of the 1st and 10th 
Regular Cavalry, and two squadrons of the 1st Volun- 
teer Cavalry, in all 964 officers and men, landed on 
Cuban soil. These troops marched on foot fourteen 
miles, and, early in the morning of the 24th, attacked 
and defeated double their number of regular Spanish 
soldiers under the command of Lieutenant-General 
Linares. Eagerly and cheerfully you pushed onward, 
and on July 1st the entire Division, consisting of the 
1st, 3d, 6th, 9th, and 10th Cavalry and 1st Volunteer 
Cavalry, forded San Juan River and gallantly swept 
over San Juan Hill, driving the enemy from its crest. 
Without a moment's halt you formed, aligning the 
Division upon the First Infantry Division under Gen- 
eral Kent, and, together with these troops, you 
bravely charged and carried the formidable entrench- 
ments of Fort San Juan. The entire force which 
fought and won this great victory was less than seven 
thousand men. 

The astonished enemy, though still protected by the 
strong works to which he had made his retreat, was so 
stunned by your determined valor that his only thought 
was to devise the quickest means of saving himself 
from further battle. The great Spanish fleet hastily 
sought escape from the harbor and was destroyed by 
our matchless navy. 

After seizing the fortifications of San Juan ridge, 
you, in the darkness of night, strongly intrenched the 
position your valor had won. Reinforced by Bates' 



FAREWELLS 227 

Brigade on your left and Lawton's Division on your 
right, you continued the combat until the Spanish 
Army of Santiago Province succumbed to the superb 
prowess and courage of American arms. Peace 
promptly followed, and you return to receive the 
plaudits of seventy millions of people. 

The valor displayed by you was not without sacri- 
fice. Eighteen per cent., or nearly one in five, of the 
Cavalry Division fell on the field either killed or 
wounded. We mourn the loss of these heroic dead, 
and a grateful country will always revere their memory. 

Whatever may be my fate, wherever my steps may 
lead, my heart will always burn with increasing admir- 
ation for your courage in action, your fortitude under 
privation, and your constant devotion to duty in its 
highest sense, whether in battle, in bivouac, or upon the 
march. 

Joseph Wheeler, 
Major- Geti! U.S.V., Commanding. 

Note. — The Cavalry Division lost eighteen per cent., 
or nearly one in five ; Kent's Division lost thirteen and 
three-quarters per cent., or nearly one in seven; while 
Lawton's Division lost seven per cent., or one in four- 
teen. In the Cavalry Division the proportionate losses 
were twice as great as those in many great battles of 
Europe. At Waterloo the English lost but about ten 
per cent., and the average loss in Napoleon's great 
battles did not exceed eight per cent. 



ADDENDA. 



A. — Officers of the Cavalry Division who participated in the 
Battle of Las Guasimas, June 24, 1898. 

Maj. -Gen. Joseph Wheeler, Commanding. 

Maj. William D. Beach, Chief Engineer. 

Aurelius E. Mestre, Volunteer Aid. 

Brig.-Gen. S. B. M. Young, U.S.V. 

Capt. A. L. Mills, A.A.G., U.S.V. 

1st Lieut. T. R. Rivers, 3d Cavalry, Aid. 

2d Lieut. W. R. Smedberg, jr., 4th Cavalry, Aid. 

1st Lieut. L. A. Fuller, Ass't Surgeon. 



FIRST U.S. REGULAR CAVALRY. 

Maj. James M. Bell, Commanding Squadron ; wounded. 
Capt. Thomas T. Knox, Commanding Troop K ; wounded. 
Capt. R. P. Page Wainwright, Commanding Troop G. 
Capt. Jacob G. Galbraith, Commanding Troop B. 
1st Lieut. Edmund S. Wright, Commanding Troop A. 
1st Lieut. George L. Byram, Squadron Adjutant; wounded. 
1st Lieut. Peter E. Traub, duty with Troop G. 
2d Lieut. Walter M. Whitman, duty with Troop G. 
2d Lieut. Charles McK. Saltzman, duty with Troop B. 
2d Lieut. Henry C. Smither, duty with Troop A. 



230 



THE SANTIAGO CAMPAIGN 



TENTH U.S. REGULAR CAVALRY. 



Maj. S. T. Norvell. 
Capt. W. H. Beck. 
Capt. J. B. Watson. 
Capt. C. G. Ayres. 
Lieut. R. J. Fleming. 



Lieut. G. Vidmer. 
Lieut. H. O. Williard. 
Lieut. A. M. Miller, jr. 
Lieut. F. R. McCoy. 
Lieut. R. L. Livekmore. 



FIRST U.S. VOLUNTEER CAVALRY. 



Col. Leonard Wood. 
Lieuten't-Colouel Theodore 

Roosevelt. 
Maj. Alexander O. Brodie. 
Capt. Micah J. Jenkins. 
Capt. Frederick Muller. 
Capt. Maximilian Luna. 
Capt. R. B. Huston. 
Lieut. Woodbury Kane. 
1st Lieut. Frank Frantz. 
2d Lieut. R. C. Day. 
Capt. W. H. H. Llewellyn. 
Capt. Wm. O. O'Neill. 
1st Lieuteuaut and Adjutant 

John Hall. 
2d Lieut. Maxwell Keyes. 
2d Lieut. J. C. Greenway. 



2d Lieut. D. M. Goodrich. 
1st Lieut. J. A. Carr. 
1st Lieut. J. B. Wilcox. 
1st Lieut. J. R. Thomas, jr. 
2d Lieut. Thomas Rhyning. 
2d Lieut. J. 1). Carter. 
2d Lieut. D.J. Leahey. 
2d Lieut. H. K. Devereux. 
Major and Assist'nt Surgeon 

Henry La Motte. 
1st Lieutenant and Surgeon 

J. R. Church. 
Captain L. S. McCormack, 

7th U.S. Cavalry. 
U.S. Military Cadet Ernest 

Haskell. 
Capt. J. C. McClintock. 



ADDENDA 



231 



B. — Officers of the Cavalry Division who participated in the 
Battle of San Juan, July 1, 2, and 3, 1898. 

Maj.-Gen. Joseph Wheeler, Commanding. 

Lieut. -Col. J. H. Dorst, Adjutant-General. 

Maj. E. A. Garlington, Inspector-General. 

Maj. William D. Beach, Chief Engineer. 

Capt. Joseph T. Dickman, 8th Cavalry. 

Capt. William Astor Chanler. 

1st Lieut. Matthew F. Steele, 8th Cavalry, Aid. 

2d Lieut. James H. Reeves, 6th Cavalry, Aid. 

2d Lieut. Joseph Wheeler, jr., 4th Artillery, Aid. 

Maj. Valery Ha yard, Chief Surgeon. 

Aurelius E. Mestre, Volunteer Aid. 

Leonard Wilson. 

Brig. -Gen. S. S. Sumner, U.S.V. 

Capt. Robert L. Howze, A.A.G., U.S.V. 

Capt. R. H. Beckman, C.S., U.S.V. 

1st Lieut. J. A. Harman, 6th Cavalry, Aid. 

2d Lieut. L. C. Andrews, 3d Cavalry, Aid. 



THIRD U.S. REGULAR CAVALRY. 



Maj. H. W. Wessells, jr. ; 

wounded. 
Maj. Henry Jackson. 
Capt. Chas. Morton ;w'nded. 
Capt. Geo. A. Dodd. 
Capt. F. H. Hardie. 
Capt. G. K. Hunter ; w'nded. 
Capt. Henry L. Ripley. 
Capt. George H. Morgan. 
Capt. Daniel H. Boughton. 



Capt. F. O. Johnson. 

1st Lieut. Thomas B. Dugan. 

1st Lieut. Arthur Thayer; 
wounded. 

1st Lieutenant Francis J. 
Koester. 

1st Lieut. Alfred C. Mer- 
rill at ; wounded. 

1st Lieutenant O. B. Meyer ; 
wounded. 



232 



THE SANTIAGO CAMPAIGN 



Third U.S. Regular Cavalry, — concluded. 

2d Lieut. J. T. Conrad. 2d Lieut. Wm. D. Chitty. 

2d Lieut. A. E. Williams. 2d Lieut. E. A. Sirmyer. 

2d Lt. Harry H. Pattison. Additioual 2d Lieut. JohnC. 
2d Lt. John Morrison, jr. Raymond. 



SIXTH U.S. REGULAR CAVALRY. 



Lieut. -Col. Henry Carroll ; 

wounded July 1. 
Maj. Thos.C.Lebo ; com'd'g. 
Capt. John B. Kerr; w'nded 

July 1. 
Capt. William Stanton. 
Capt. Henry P. Kingsbury. 
Capt. F. AVest. 
Capt. George H. Sands. 
Cpt. A. P. Blockson ;w'nded. 
1st Lieut. James A. Cole. 



1st Lt. Richard B. Paddock. 
1st Lt.EDW.C. Brooks, Adj't. 
2d Lieutenant W. C. Short; 

wounded July 1 . 
2d Lieutenant George C. 

Barnhardt. 
2d Lieut. Henry H. Stout. 
2d Lieut. A. C. Nissen. 
2d Lt. A. Van P. Anderson. 
2d Lieuten't N. K. Averill, 

7th Cavalry, attached. 



NINTH U.S. REGULAR CAVALRY. 

Lieutenant-Colonel John M. 

Hamilton ; killed. 
Capt. C. A. Stedman. 
Capt. Charles W. Taylor; 

wounded. 
Capt. John F. McBlain. 
1st Lt. Charles J. Stevens. 



1st Lieut. Henry A. Barber. 
1st Lieutenant Michael M. 

McNamee. 
1st Lieutenant W. S. Wood, 

Adjutant; wounded. 
2d Lieut. K. W. Walker. 
2d Lieut. E. E. Hartwick. 



MEDICAL DEPARTMENT. 



Maj. Geo. McCreery, Surg. 
Maj. Henry S. T. Harris, 

Surgeon, U.S.V. 
Capt. Geo. J. Newgarden, 
Assistant Surgeon. 



Dr. Menocal, Acting As- 
sistant Surgeon. 

Dr. H. W. Danforth, Act- 
ing Assistant Surgeon; 
killed. 



ADDENDA 233 



SECOND CAVALRY BRIGADE. 

Col. Leonard Wood, 1st U.S.V. Cavalry, Com'd'g Brigade. 

Capt. A. L. Mills, A.A.G., U.S.V. ; wounded. 

Capt. Robert Sewell, A.A.G., U.S.V. 

Capt. Morton J. Henry, C.S., U.S.V. 

1st Lt. W. E. Shipp, 10th Cav., Brigade Q'termaster ; killed. 

Major Webb Hayes, 1st Ohio Vol. Cav., attached ; wounded. 

Capt. L. S. McCormick, 7th U.S. Cavalry, attached. 



FIRST U.S. REGULAR CAVALRY. 

Lieut. -Col. Charles D. Viele, Commanding Regiment. 

Maj. Albert G.Forse, Com'd'g 1st Squadron ; killed July 1st. 

1st Lieut, and Adjutant Peter E. Traub. 

Capt. R. T. Page Wainwright, Commanding Troop G. 

Capt. Herbert E. Tdtherly, Commanding 2d squadron. 

Capt. Jacob G. Galbraith, Commanding Troop B. 

Capt. William C. Brown, Commanding Troop E. 

1st Lieut. J. F. Reynolds Landis, Act'g Reg'l Quartermaster. 

1st Lieut. George W. Goode, Commanding Troop I. 

1st Lieut. Edmund S. Wright, Commanding Troop A. 

1st Lieut. John A. L. Hartman, Commanding Troop K. 

1st Lieut. Clough Overton, Commanding Troop D. 

1st Lieut. Milton F. Davis, Commanding Troop C. 

2d Lieut. William H. Osborne, duty with Troop E. 

2d Lieut. Robert C. Williams, duty with Troop C. 

2d Lieut. Walter M. Whitman, duty with Troop G. 

2d Lieut. Hugh D. Berkley, duty with Troop D. 

2d Lieut. Newton D. Kirkpatrick, 1 duty with Troop I. 

2d Lieut. Charles McK. Saltzman, duty with Troop B ; sent 

to hospital sick, July 2d. 
2d Lieut. Henry C. Smither, duty with Troop A. 

1 On the afternoon of September 7th, Lieutenant Kirkpatrick and 
Naval Cadet Thomas H. Wheeler, General Wheeler's younger son, 
both Aids on General Wheeler's staff, were drowned while surf-bathing 



234 



THE SANTIAGO CAMPAIGN 



TENTH U.S. REGULAR CAVALRY. 



Lieut. -Col. T. A. Baldwin. 
Major S. T. Norvell. 
Major L. J. Wint ; wounded. 
Adjutant M. H. Barnum ; 

wounded. 
Capt. W. H. Beck. 
Capt. John Bigelow, jr. ; 

wounded. 
Capt. T. W. Jones. 
Capt. C. G. Ayres. 
Capt. J. W. Watson. 
1st Lieutenant W. H. Smith ; 

killed. 
1st Lient. J. J. Pershing, 

Quartermaster. 
1st Lieut. J. B. Hughes. 



1st Lieut. E. D. Anderson; 

wounded. 
1st Lieut. R. L. Livermore ; 

wounded. 
1st Lieut. R. J. Fleming. 
2d Lieut. G. Vidmer. 
2d Lieut. H. O. Williakd ; 

wounded. 
2d Lieut. A. M. Miller. 
2d Lieut. A. E. Kennington. 
2d Lieut. H. C. Whitehead ; 

wounded. 
2d Lieuten't F. A. Roberts ; 

wounded. 
2d Lieutenant T. R. McCoy ; 

wounded. 



FIRST U.S. VOLUNTEER CAVALRY. 



Lieuten't-Colonel Theodore 

Roosevelt, commanding 

Regiment. 
Major and Surgeon Henry 

La Motte ; wounded. 
1st Lieut, and Ass't Surgeon, 

J. R. Church. 
Maj. Micah J. Jenkins. 
Capt. Frederick Muller. 
Capt. Maximilian Luna. 
Capt. R. B. Huston. 



Capt. Henry ; wounded. 
Capt. Frank Frantz. 
Capt. R. C Day ; wounded 

July 1st. 
Capt. W. H. H. Llewellyn. 
Capt. Wm. O. O'Neill ; killed 

July 1st. 
Lieut. Woodhury Kane. 
1st Lieutenant and Adjutant 

Maxwell Keyes. 
1st Lieut. J. C. Greenway. 



at Montauk Point. Cadet Wheeler, seventeen years old, entered An- 
napolis in '97, and had spent his first vacation on board the Columbia 
in Cuban and Porto Rican waters. His name has been confused 
by the press with his elder brother, Joseph Wheeler, who graduated 
at West Point in ' ( .). r >, and who served as Aid on General Wheeler's 
staff in Cuba during the entire campaign. 



ADDENDA 



235 



Fikst U.S. Volunteer Cavalry, — concluded. 



1st Lieut. D. M. Goodrich. 
1st Lieut. J. B. Wilcox. 
1st Lieutenant J. A. Carr; 

wounded July 2d. 
2d Lieut. Shenard Coleman. 
2d Lieut. Thomas Rhyning. 
2d Lieuten't D. J. Leahey ; 

wounded July 1st. 



2d Lieut. J. D. Carter. 

2d Lieut. H. K. Devereux ; 

wounded. 
Captain L. S. McCormack; 

7th U.S. Cavalry. 
U. S. Military Cadet Ernest 

Haskell ; w'nded July 1. 



PART II -DESPATCHES ON THE FIELD 



Note. — Several important Despatches are not 
placed in their order here, because they have been 
incorporated with the text in Part I. 



THE DESPATCHES 



CHAPTER I 

ADVANCE FROM THE COAST — CUBANS' SKIRMISH WITH 
THE SPANIARDS — IN SIGHT OF SANTIAGO — EXAMIN- 
ING SPANISH PRISONERS — DIRECTIONS FOR THE LINE 
OF BATTLE FROM GENERAL SHAFTER, ON BOARD 
S.S. SEGURANCA — RATIONS FOR CASTILLO'S TROOPS 

rriHE despatches in the Santiago Campaign 
X form by themselves a continuous official 
story. As such, their interest and importance 
will be apparent; and I give many of them here, 
practically verbatim et literatim, in their order as 
issued on the field, Avith one or two descriptive 
personal letters. Important statements made 
in the original portions of this book may for the 
most part be substantiated by reference to these 
official despatches. Reports of operations not 
referred to here will be found incorporated with 
the text in Part I. : 

On Board S.S. Seguranca, 
Off Daiquiri, Cuba, June 22, 1898. 
Secretary of War, 

Washington, D.C. : 
Landing at Daiquiri this morning successful. Very 
little, if any, resistance. Shafter. 



240 THE SANTIAGO CAMPAIGN 

Daiquiri, Near Santiago, Cuba, 

June 23, 1898. 

'Yo * * * * 

My dear Friend : We commenced going ashore 
yesterday. I rode about 8 miles, penetrating the 
country about four miles from the sea. The road to 
Santiago is a very good military road. Bananas and 
cocoanuts abound, the growth of all kinds so luxuriant 
it is difficult to leave the road at all except in certain 
elevated places which are quite open or only have a 
scrubby growth. The Spaniards have block houses 
at various points along the road ; the nearest one now 
occupied is 3 or 4 miles beyond the point occupied by 
our advanced troops. I think they will abandon these 
places as we approach. I don't think there are more 
than 18 or 20 thousand Spanish troops in the Province 
and probably less than 10,000 in the city of Santiago. 

Cuba is not so entirely different from other coun- 
tries as people make out. Our horses are so weakened 
by the trip that we cannot get them off the ships and 
make a general forward movement to Santiago for 
about two days. I suppose you know that our cavalry 
are dismounted, having come without their horses as 
we could only bring animals for transportation. Gen. 
Miles will send our horses as soon as possible. If 
I had them I could sweep through the Island. The 
shores are lined with coral rocks. I enclose a little 
fragment. Soon after getting ashore I sent the flag of 
the 1st Volunteer Cavalry and had it waved on a high 
eminence. All the ships answered by blowing their 
whistles. 

With respect, your friend, 

Joseph Wheeler. 



THE DYNAMITE GUN WANTED 241 

Headquarters Cavalry Division, 

June 23, 1898. 
Col. Wood, 

Commanding 1st Vol. Cavalry, Daiquiri : 

Sir: The Major-General com'd'g directs that you 
send forward without delay the dynamite gun and 
development. 

Very res'p'y, 

M. F. Steele, 

1st Lieut., 8th Cav., Aid. 



Headquarters Cavalry Division, 

Juraguacito, Cuba, June 23, 1898. 

Adjt-Genl 5th Corps, 

On the Steamer Seguranca : 

Sir : I have the honor to report that Genl Lawton 
was at this place when I arrived here. He informed 
me that he has reported to you in full. 

The people here report that Genl Linares was here 
yesterday and left on the train at 4 a.m. to-day. 

Genl Castillo reports that the men of his command 
that followed the Spaniards to-day are now at Sevilla 
— about 6 miles from here and nine miles this side of 
Santiago. He reports that 120 insurgents under Lt.- 
Col. Aguierre (of Genl D. Castillo's command) began 
fighting the Spaniards about 2 miles w r est of here, and 
continued the fight as far as Sevilla. 

I have seen the 7 Cubans wounded in the fight ; 
one is wounded severely, the others slightly. Two 
Cubans were killed. 

It is reported that about 1000 or 1200 Spaniards 
were at this place ; they left early this morning. 

I directed Col. Wood to come to this place in com- 



2-±2 THE SANTIAGO CAMPAIGN 

pliance with your instructions. He will bring his 
dynamite gun. 

Genl Lawton and the Cubans have accomplished all 
that can be done at present. I think Genl Lawton has 
shown energy and good judgment. 

Very respectfully, 

Jos. Wheeler, 

Maj. Genl U.S. Vol. 
P.S. — Genl Castillo reports that one dead Spaniard 
was left in the hands of the Cubans. 

I understand that Genl Lawton reported the locomo- 
tives and coal at this place. 



Headquarters Cavalry Division, 

Juraguacito, June 24, 1898. 

Adjutant-Gen. 5th Army Corps : 

Dear Sir : Yesterday afternoon I went out three 
miles towards Santiago. The road is very good, and 
there are several good camping places. At dark the 
Spanish rear guard was this side of Sevilla. The in- 
surgents think the enemy has artillery. I go out this 
morning with Wood's Regiment and will press on to 

Sevilla. 

Respectfully yours, 

Jos. Wheeler. 



Siboney, June 24, 1898. 
Major-General Joseph Wheeler : 

Sir : Colonel Gonzales and Lieut. -Col. Aguierre 
have orders to proceed with their commands and join 
Major Duany's forces which occupy positions in advance. 
Being the Senior Cuban officer in this district my 



OCCUPYING THE ENEMY'S GROUND 243 

duties keep me at this place ; but as soon as General 
Garcia gets here, whom I expect at any moment, I will 
have the pleasure of presenting my respects to you. 

Respectfully yours, 

D. Castillo. 



Headquarters 5th Army Corps, 
S.S. Seguranca, June 24, 1898, 1 p.m. 
Major General Wheeler, U.S.V., 

Commanding Cavalry Division : 
Sir : The Comd'g Gen'l directs me to say he is glad 
to hear such good news and that you are occupy- 
ing the enemy's ground. A battery will be sent to 
you as soon as it can be unloaded and horses are off. 
Will also send you some saddle horses from the 
Artillery. The Mounted Cavalry will be dispatched as 
fast as possible. Kent's Division now disembarked at 
Siboney and ordered to hold themselves in readiness to 
support you if needed. 

The Navy are firing at the point probably where the 
railroad crosses the river (San Juan) ; it was likely the 
enemy was sending reinforcements by rail. Rations will 
be in Juraguacito to-night and we will have pack trains 
out for you during the night, one for each division. 

McClernand, 
A.A.G. 

Headquarters Cavalry Division, 
£ Mile beyond Sevilla, June 24, 1898, 5 p.m. 

Adjutant General 5th Corps : 

Sir : I have the honor to report we can see Santiago 
very plainly from this point, about 7 or 8 miles dis- 
tant. The country appears level for six miles this side 



244 THE SANTIAGO CAMPAIGN 

the city except for heights on the south which extend 
to within 3 miles of Santiago and from which the city 
can be shelled. These hills now appear deserted. The 
country is fairly open, a good tract for campaigning 
over, and is said to be well watered. The road from 
this point to Santiago is said to be very good. An 
engineer force ought to be put to work immediately to 
repair the road between Juraguacito and Se villa, as 
considerable work must be done to it to make it 
passable for guns and wagons. Sevilla is abandoned, 
and Genl. Chaffee will occupy it to-morrow. 
Very resp., 

Jos. Wheeler, 

Major Genl Vol. 



Headquarters Cavalry Division, 

Sevilla, June 25, 1898. 

Adjutant General 5th Corps : 

Sir: Col. Dorst having informed me that the Com- 
manding General directs I take general charge of 
the troops, I have therefore directed the various com- 
manders to commence repairing the road in their 
vicinity and the officer at Juraguacito to maintain strict 
police and order at that place. I think it would be a 
good plan for a Cavalry Engineer Officer and party to 
come forward and have general superintendence of the 
work. 

Very respectfully, 

Jos. Wheeler, 
Major General Volunteers. 



EEPORT OF TWO BOY REFUGEES 245 

Headquarters Cavalry Division, 
In Front of Sevilla, on Santiago Road, 

June 25, 1898. 

To General Sh after : I have just seen two negro 
boys who left Santiago this morning (Saturday). They 
report that the soldiers and citizens are very short of 
food. The soldiers and officers have seized all the food 
in the shops. They are killing young horses for food, 
and in the hospitals are subsisting on bread made of rice 
flour. Three Spanish generals took part in the fight 
at Sevilla yesterday. Five wagon-loads of wounded 
were carried into Santiago, and many other wounded 
got there on horses or afoot. We can see Morro 
Castle and the flag very distinctly from our posi- 
tion. The Cubans confirm the reports as to the 
fine character of the fortifications around the city. 
Seven lines of barbed wire are stretched around the 
trenches. The Spaniards have recently dug deep 
trenches around the entire city, connecting a series of 
small forts. 

Wheeler. 



Headquarters 5th Army Corps, 

June 25, 1898. 

Gen. Wheeler : I wish you to very carefully exam- 
ine the valley to the right of the road you are now on. 
Maps indicate running water there, also a short distance 
down into the valley in front, and on the left into the 
hills. If the enemy is developed in the hills to the left, 
we will work on them when we get ready, with artil- 
lery. Should you find the country unoccupied by the 
enemy, and you find plenty of water there, occupy it 
with Lawton's Division and bring up Kent, leaving Bates 



246 THE SANTIAGO CAMPAIGN 

where he now is. Three batteries are now on land. 
One of them has already gone to you and the others 
will go in the morning. Four troops of cavalry should 
also join you to-day. Be very careful of them as they 
are tired and I want them ready when we need them. 
Gatling battery is also already on the way. Four es- 
cort wagons have been sent out this afternoon to Si- 
boney to Bates, and four ambulances go in the morning. 
These are all for sick and wounded if needed. Have 
sent a pack train to each division for the purpose of 
taking rations and forage (for officers' private horses) 
of each division. These pack trains must not be di- 
verted to any other purpose, and will be under the 
charge of the respective Division Quartermasters. Lt. 
Brooks will have a pack train for the supply of ammu- 
nition to the entire command. If you can get up a 
supply by any means to-morrow it would be a good 
idea. 

Two reserve pack trains will be used to forage and 
ration Bates' command, the Light Artillery and the 
Cavalry. 

Very respectfully, 

Wm. R. Sh after, 
Major- General Commanding . 



Headquarters 5th Army Corps, 

June 25, 1898. 

General Wheeler : Yours in reference to issuing 
rations received, and all right. Also your report from 
the negroes in town. Have no doubt it is as they say, 
but with the single exception of making a little recon- 
naissance, as I have explained to your Aide as well as 
written you, there must be no forward movement until 



TOPOGRAPHICAL OFFICERS DETAILED 247 

I get the troops all up, which I hope will be to-mor- 
row. If you do find water in abundance, advance 
Lawton's Division, using your dismounted cavalry for 
the flanks, and bring Kent up and put him where Law- 
ton now is. 

Very truly yours, 

Wm. R. Shafter, 

Maj. Gen. Comdg. 



Headquarters Cavalry Division, 

June 25, 1898. 

Orders : By direction of the Commanding General 
U.S. forces in Cuba, the following officers are detailed 
as topographical officers and will report without delay 
to Major W. D. Beach, Acting Engineer Officer Cav. 
Division, viz. : 

1st Lt. E. D. Anderson, 10th Cav. 
2nd Lt. M. Batson, 9th Cav. 

By command Maj. Gen. Wheeler, 
J. H. Dorst, 
Lt. Col. & AsstAdj. Gen. Vols. 



Headquarters 5th Army Corps, 
On Board S.S. Seguranca, off Daiquiri, Cuba, 

June 25, 1898, 5.50 a.m. 

Major Gen. J. Wheeler, U.S.V., 
Commanding Cavalry Division, 
Near Sevilla, Cuba : 
Sir : Despatch of 5 p.m. just received. Your news 
is excellent. Have ordered Bates to repair road to 
Sevilla at once. One battery of Artillery is on way 



248 THE SANTIAGO CAMPAIGN 

to you, and will have another battery before night. Four 
troops 2d Cavalry will be gotten to you just as early to- 
day as possible. Will send them in detachments as 
ready : also three pack trains, one for each division, to 
carry rations to you. The Ordnance Officer with an- 
other pack train will get ammunition to you. General 
Kent with two transports could not be found up to 
last night. The most of his division is at Juraguacito 
under General Hawkins. Order it to join you, if you 
»an place it in good position ; they are not required 
where they are, and should be with you. Expect 
General Garcia's command up to-day, and it will dis- 
embark at Juraguacito. Keep your front thoroughly 
picketed and also your right flank, and well in advance ; 
but do not try any forward movement until farther or- 
ders. From where you are now, or approximately 
there, I wish to advance in force, and will not move 
until all the troops are well in hand. I will see you 
to-day there. 

Very respectfully, 

Wm. R. Shafter, 
Major General U.S.V., Commanding. 



Headquarters Cavalry Division, 

Sevilla, June 25, 1898. 

Adjutant General 5th Corps: 

Sir: I send Maj. W. D. Beach, who will give you 
full information about the condition of the troops and 
the country. I am doing what I can with scouts to get 
information about the enemy. I think it important 
that we send spies into Santiago and to do this effi- 
ciently we should have funds to pay them. Maj. Beach 



PRECAUTION IX ADDRESSING DESPATCHES 249 

is an excellent officer to have charge of this fund and I 
request that he be furnished $100 or $200 for this 
purpose. 

Very respectfully, 

Jos. Wheeler, 

Maj. Genl Vols. 



Headquarters Cavalry Division, 

Sevilla, June 25, 1898. 
Col. McClernand, 

Adjutant General oth Corps: 
Dear Colonel : Several of the communications that 
I have forwarded have been addressed to General Shaf- 
fer direct for the reason that I have had to send them 
by Cubans or such couriers as I could find, and by the 
use of the General's name, I thought it would make the 
letters more sure of safe delivery. 

Respectfully, 

Joseph Wheeler, 

Maj. Gen. Vols. 



Headquarters Cavalry Division, 

June 25, 1898. 
Genl Castillo, 

Juraguacito : 
Dear Sir : Will you be kind enough to send one of 
your officers to report to the Commanding Officer of 
troops of General Kent's command now out alono- the 
water pipe line, with a view r of guarding against acci- 
dental conflict between your men and his. 



250 THE SANTIAGO CAMPAIGN 

General Kent will give your officer directions where 
to go. 

Very respectfully, 

Jos. Wheeler, 

Maj. Gent Vol. 



Headquarters Cavalry Division, 
In Front of Sevilla, June 25, 1898. 

Adjutant General U.S. Army in Cuba, 
S.S. Seguranca : 
Sir : Gen. Castillo has 600 men at this place and at 
the picket in front of it, who are without rations. I 
have told their officers that I would have rations 
furnished them if they would remain here on duty 
under our orders, and they have promised to do so. I 
respectfully request that 1800 rations be turned over 
to them at Juraguacito. They will send a detail to 
receive the rations with the bearer of this note. 
Very respectfully, 

Your obedient servant, 

Jos. Wheeler, 
Maj. Gen. Vols., Comdg. 



Headquarters Cavalry Division, 
Camp near Seyilla, June 25, 1898, 3 p.m. 

Asst Adjt.-Genl U.S. Army in Cuba, 
S.S. Seguranca : 
Sir : I am investigating the matter of cutting off 
the water supply of Santiago and would suggest that it 
would be a very good thing to do. If you will order 
me to do it I should be very glad to undertake it. It 
would also be an excellent thing for the Chief Signal 



BRINGING UP THE COMMANDS 251 

Officer to put the telegraph line from here to Juragua- 
cito in order and to establish a series of signal stations 
on the high ground to the front and overlooking the 
right of this portion of the Army. These stations 
would also overlook the ground in front. 
Very respectfully, 

Your obedient servant, 

Jos. Wheeler, 
Maj. Gen. Vols., Comdg. 

In compliance with your instructions I will not make 
any forward movement until further orders from you. 



Headquarters Cavalry Division, 

Sevilla, Cuba, June 26, 1898. 

Adjutant General 5th Corps : 

Sir : Before receiving your last order, Capt. Dick- 
man of my Staff and Lt. Rivers of General Young's 
had already reconnoitered to the front of our forces, 
Capt. Dickman going 3£ beyond Sevilla, and I had 
ordered General Young to a point 2 miles beyond 
Sevilla, and had ordered the 4 troops, 2d Cavalry, to 
the same point. General Lawton will go out with me 
this morning and select his camp, and I will arrange 
the troops as nearly as possible as directed by you, 
taking- into consideration water and conformation of 
the country. I have directed General Kent to bring 
his command to the front as soon it is supplied and 
ready to move, — unless he is otherwise ordered by the 
Commanding General. 

Very respectfully, 

Jos. Wheeler, 
Maj. Gen. V., Comdg. 



252 THE SANTIAGO CAMPAIGN 

J>.S. — Before receiving your instructions to move 
to the front, there was no room for General Kent's 
Division — that difficulty is now removed — I do not 
think there is any possibility of the arrangement I am 
making bringing on an engagement. Will carefully 
comply with directions and take great pains to avoid it. 



Headquarters Cavalry Division, 

June 2G, 1898. 
Maj. Hugh Gallagher, U.S.V., 

Chief Coimnissanj, Cavalry Division, 
Aboard S.S. Alleghany: 
Sib : The Commanding Officer directs that you 
supply Brigadier General Demetrio Castillo, command- 
ing Cuban forces at Siboney, with the necessary blanks 
upon which to make requisitions for rations; explain 
to him the way to make them out and draw his sup- 
plies, and that you issue subsistence supplies to his 
troops the same as to our own troops 

It is understood that you have been placed in charge 
of the subsistence stores at Siboney. In case you 
should be relieved of this duty, please refer this matter 
to the proper officer. 

Information is received that General Garcia has 
:n rived at Siboney. Gen. Castillo's forces are a part 
of his command, and he may already have drawn 
rations lor Castillo's forces. Please inform yourself 
upon this point, with a view of not issuing twice to 
Castillo's forces for the same time. 
Very respectfully, 

J. H. Dokst, 
Lt. Col. and Asst Adj. Gen. 



CHAPTER II 

REINFORCEMENTS EXPECTED CUBAN REGIMENT RE- 
PORTS FOR DUTY DELAY FOR REINFORCEMENTS 

A REFUGEE'S STATEMENT OF THE FOOD, POPULA- 
TION, AND DEFENCES OF SANTIAGO — PANDO COMING 
FROM MANZANILLO TO ITS AID WITH 5,000 TROOPS 

Headquarters 5th Army Corps, 

On Board S.S. Seguranca, 
Off Siboney, Cuba, June 26, 1898. 

Major-General Joseph Wheeler, U.S.V. : 

Sir : The Commanding General directs me to say he 
expects four thousand reinforcements to-morrow. 
This additional force will probably postpone the 
advance a little. Get your men well in hand, but 
make no forward movement. 

Very respectfully, 

E. J. McClernand, 
Assistant Adjutant General. 



Siboney, Cuba, June 26, 1898, 7 p.m. 
Major General Wheeler : 

Sir: Colonel Pearson, Commanding 2d Brigade, 
took 20th Infantry out to reconnoiter along the beach 
road on receipt of your order. He had not yet re- 
turned and may not to-night. When I hear the results 



254 THE SANTIAGO CAMPAIGN 

I will forward report if the matter is of importance, 
otherwise will see you in the morning. 

My division will start from here for General Law- 
ton's old camp at 5 a.m. to-morrow. Would like an 
officer sent to meet the head of the column on arrival 
near your old headquarters. 

Very respectfully, 
J. Ford Kent, 
Brigadier General U.S. Vols. 

Comdg 1st Div. oth Army Corps. 



Headquarters Cavalry Division, 

June 26, 1898. 
General Chaffee, 

Commanding Advance : 
Sir : By direction of General Castillo, Colonel 
Gonzales, the bearer, reports to me with 509 men — 
413 armed. I have directed him to report to you for 
duty in your advance guard. Col. Gonzales under- 
stands that he is subject to your orders. 
Very respectfully, 
Jos. Wheeler, Maj. Gen. Vols., Comdg. 



Headquarters 5th Army Corps, 

On Board S.S. Seguranca, 
Off Daiquiri, Cuba, June 26, 1898. 

My dear General Wheeler : I had expected to 
join you to-day, but there have been so many things 
that needed special attention, that I could not do it. I 
mean to come to-morrow. Do not advance, but have 
the country, to the right and left of the road, carefully 
reconnoitered. I especially desire to know if there is a 



STORES FOR TROOPS AND REFUGEES 255 

short cut to the right to Caney, as I believe it will be a 
good plan to put a division in there and assault the 
town on that road. 

Very respectfully, 

Wm, R. Sh after, 
Major General U.S.V., Commanding. 

Major General Joseph Wheeler, U.S. V. 



Headquarters 5th Army Corps, 

On Board S.S. Seguranca, 
Off Daiquiri', Cuba, June 27, 1898. 

My dear General Wheeler : I had intended to 
make an advance to-morrow, with the troops that I 
have, but, in view of telegrams received yesterday, 
that a large number of reinforcements (about 4,000) 
are on the way, and the further fact that one of the 
ships has arrived this morning, I will not feel justified 
in advancing until I get them on shore. The Govern- 
ment seems to be very solicitous about us, and it is 
possible they have information of which we know 
nothing. I hope your scheme of sending spies into San- 
tiago has worked. I also understand that a large num- 
ber of poor people came out yesterday and are within 
the lines. Of course they will be received, as we can't 
drive starving people back, at least not at the present 
time. Question them carefully and get as good an idea 
as you can of the condition of affairs there and of the 
location of the forces that are said to be on the road to 
oppose us. I am shipping out stores as fast as possi- 
ble : ammunition, forage and rations, and will direct it 
all sent to you, to avoid confusion. Will you have 
your Quartermaster take charge of it and pile it where 
we can get at it conveniently ? The forage please issue 



25(5 THE SANTIAGO CAMPAIGN 

to the artillery horses and cavalry, as well as horses of 
officers ; and issue subsistence stores to any troops that 
require it, but not more than three days' at a time for 
any command. 

Best should have reached you yesterday morning, but 
I found late yesterday afternoon that he had been lying 
in Juraguacito all day waiting for forage to be sent to 
him. * ***** 

I hope you will look out the subject of finding if 
there is any means of moving a division off to your 
right, bringing it out at El Caney, a good point from 
which I do not believe we will be expected, which is 
only about four and a half miles from the city. My 
Engineer Officer tells me there is a large road leading 
off to the left on the high ground generally in the 
direction of the mouth of the San Juan River, and 
which Avill be on Kent's left. From the fact that I 
hear Spanish troops are evidently working down to- 
wards the Morro, it is possible they may try or be 
thinking of attempting to flank us on our left flank ; so 
send at least a regiment of Kent's out that road, a 
couple of miles I should say, to pretty near opposite 
the left of where Lawton is to be placed this morning, 
and establsih a picket line connection with him, if 
practicable. I am going to have Garcia keep men well 
to the front on our left. I am coming out to see you 
this afternoon. 

I hope the mounted cavalry are doing well. I had 
them bring four days' forage on their horses, instead 

of riding them. 

Very truly yours, 

Wm. R. Shafter, 

Major General 11.8. Volunteers, Commanding. 

To Major General Joseph Wheeler, U.S.V. 



DISEASE AND HUNGER IN THE CITY 257 

Headquarters 5th Army Corps, 
Off Siboney, Cuba, June 27, 1898, 9 p.m. 

Adjutant General, 
Washington : 

All is progressing well. We occupied to-day an 
advance position abandoned by the enemy yesterday on 
the Sevilla and Santiago road west of the San Juan 
River, within three miles of Santiago, and from which 
it can be plainly seen. 

Shafter, 
Major General Commanding. 



Headquarters Cavalry Division, 
Camp, f Mile beyond Sevilla, Cuba, 

June 28, 1898. 
Adjutant General 5th Army Corps : 

Sir : I have to-day examined a young man of fair 
intelligence who left Santiago yesterday to join the 
Cubans. 

According to what he tells me many of the Spanish 
troops are sick of malarial fevers and other diseases, 
(not yellow fever), and that they have of late been 
trying to find extra hospital attendants. The food in 
the hospitals is sardines and rice bread, as previously 
advised. 

He says there is still a little meat to be had which 
sells at a dollar a pound to those who are allowed to 
buy it. Eight days ago it was said by Officers that 
meat would only last for 12 days. Chief food is rice, 
of which a large shipment was brought in by a German 
steamer that failed to get into Havana on account of 
the blockade, and came here. 

There are still a number of Cubans who would like 



258 THE SANTIAGO CAMPAIGN 

to come out to join the Insurgents, perhaps five or six 
hundred, but they fear being arrested on attempting to 
leave the city. There are but few young Cubans in 
the city, the population being chiefly composed of 
women, Spaniards and some few Cubans who are more 
or less in sympathy with the Spaniards. My infor- 
mant was unable to say whether, in case we notified 
the Spanish authorities of the bombardment of the city, 
they would allow the families to leave ; but considers 
that, as General Linares and other influential Spaniards 
have their families there, they would avail themselves 
of this warning and others might then do the same. 
Their line of exit would probably be to the N.W. of 
Santiago, along the bay towards Cobre. 

The Spanish soldiers and lower classes speak enthu- 
siastically of their coming victories over us, as they 
are kept deceived by the ruling classes, but these do 
not seem to be enthusiastic and appear to be pre- 
occupied. 

One of the newspapers of the day before yesterday 
stated that our numbers were about 16,000, but the 
people generally believe that we have 25 to 30 thou- 
sand. The Spaniards state to the people in Santiago 
that their forces are 20,000, but my informant does not 
believe they can have over 12,000. When asked what 
practice he had in calculating large numbers like that, 
he said he formed his opinion from what he had pre- 
viously seen of garrisons in Santiago. Part of the 
troops in Santiago he says have gone towards the 
Morro. 

This man tells me that the armored cruisers Vizcaya, 
Oquendo, Maria Teresa and Colon are in the harbor, as 
also the torpedo boats Pluton and Furor. He was quite 
familiar with the names and description of the boats. 



OLD-FASHIONED GUNS: NEWS OF HOBSON 259 

He says that they have been repairing the upper work 
of the lieina Mercedes (damaged by our shells) but 
cannot say whether they really expect to make the ship 
again serviceable. 

He has explained to me more clearly what the defences 
of the city consist of. It appears that instead of the 7 
lines of barbed wire fence, there are but two lines of 
fences running parallel to each other and about 3 yards 
apart. Each fence has from 7 to 9 lines of barbed wire, 
and then there are numerous threads running criss-cross 
in every direction between the two lines of fences. 
These fences run around the city with only six entrances 
left open. As to the trenches about the city, he tells 
me they are not continuous, and are not made with the 
idea of opposing Cavalry, but are simply made at inter- 
vals on rising ground where they can be used for rifle fire. 
The block houses on the northern side of city do not 
have any cannon as no attack is expected from that side, 
my informant telling me that the war ships are supposed 
to be able to prevent any attack there. On the eastern 
and southern sides some cannons are mounted in the 
larger block houses. They are all old-fashioned muzzle 
loaders, my informant not knowing of any modern gun 
having been put up there. 

He tells me that, according to what the Spaniards 
themselves say, they had 2,500 men in Las Guasimas. 
He did not himself see the army re-enter Santiago, but 
a friend of his did, having seen Lieut. -General Linares, 
Div. General Toral and Brig.-General Vara del Key. 
There were from 4 to 6 carts with sick and wounded, 
besides stretchers and others on horseback. 

He says that Lieut. Hobson and his companions are 
held in a part of the Hospital Mercedes, and are said to 
be well cared for. 



260 THE SANTIAGO CAMPAIGN 

The forces of San Juan seem to be larger than at 
first, having been reinforced the night before last. 
Light mountain Artillery was sent out there, and my 
informant thinks there must be about a thousand men, 
although he was not able to take note on passing 
through. He thinks the Ducrot house is now aban- 
doned, so that it might be occupied, and also thinks 
that the intrenchments they are making about San 
Juan will not be quite finished this week. The tw r o 
hills at San Juan command the road perfectly well, 
being one on each side of the road. Other heights 
around Santiago are also being occupied by the 
Spaniards, but there are only small block houses on 
them, without cannon. To the south of Santiago there 
is a commanding height which overlooks the bay and 
which we can clearly see from the heights we occupy. 
At this place there is a very old fort made of masonry 
and a couple of wooden block houses. My informant 
thinks some small cannon have been set up there. 

At Aguadores there is another old stone fort which 
is a splendid position in every way, commanding all 
the country up to Santiago. This fort has only very 
old-fashioned brass guns, and could readily be destroyed 
from the sea, according to this man's opinion. 

The Spaniards are supposed to be very scant of 
larger ammunition, and what they have is thought to 
be old. 

I am told that 1,000 Marines have been landed from 
the Spanish war ships, and are now posted in the Santa 
Ursula battery, in the southeastern part of the city. 

My informant tells me that almost every day 
wounded men are brought into Santiago from the 
Morro, but that every effort is made to keep the people 
from ascertaining their numbers. 



THE FORCES IN EL CANEV 261 

According to popular report, General Pando is 
expected from Manzanillo with 5,000 men. 

I have been unable to learn the strength of the 
Spanish forces in Caney from this man, but he does 
not think they can be very large, nor does he think 
the Spaniards have any cannon there. 

This man fears that, in case we notified the Spanish 
Authorities of an intended bombardment, they might 
purposely fail to notify the Cuban families, and that it 
would be advisable to notify them independently so 
that they might leave in time. 

Yours respectfully, 

Joseph Wheeler, 
Major General Volunteers, Commanding . 



CHAPTER III 

RATIONS, FORAGE, AND ROADS THE WIRE NIPPERS 

A REFUGEE'S REPORT OF EL CANEY CONFERENCE 

OF THE AMERICAN AND CUBAN GENERALS NUMBER 

AND KIND OF TROOPS IN SANTIAGO ORDERS CON- 
CERNING OUTPOSTS 

Headquarters 5th Army Corps, 

On Board S.S. Seguranca, 
Off Daiquiri, Cuba, June 28, 1898. 

Major General Wheeler, U.S.V. : 

Sir : Some mutters have come up this morning 
that I may not be able to get out to see you to-day, 
but, under no circumstances, unless you are attacked, 
must any tight be precipitated. I have a very strong 
telegram from the Secretary, saying some more rein- 
forcements will be here to-morrow, and that a division 
is also being forwarded, and that I must not be hasty. I 
feel the same way about it, as we are growing stronger 
every day and the enemy weaker, so that a waiting 
policy is one that we can afford, at least for a few days, 
to carry out strictly. 

I wish you would select some good officer and have 
him take charge of the wagon loads of rations, that I 
shall send out now, in establishing a depot. I want to 
get three or four days' rations out to the front just as 
soon as possible, in addition to the three days' rations 
in the men's hands. 



WIDENING TRAILS FOR PACK-TRAINS 263 

See that from the forage that comes out the artillery 
are supplied ; also that the artillery and cavalry are 
supplied with rations, as they have no transportation 
set aside for them. 

I also wish you would have the road widened at short 
intervals, so that trains can pass, and to further insure 
that there is no blockade of the road by trains meeting 
in narrow places ; order all guards along the road not 
to permit any train of wagons to leave the front to come 
this way after 9 o'clock in the morning. I will order 
that trains do not leave here going out until after 11 
o'clock. This will give time for the wagons coming in 
to get down to Siboney before those going up leave. 
Very respectfully, 

Wm. R. Shafter, 
Major General U.S. Volunteers, Commanding. 



Headquarters Cavalry Division, 

June 29, 1898. 
Adjt Genl 5th Corps, 
S.S. Seguranca : 
Sir : Colonel Viele, 1st Cavalry, reports that the 
wire nippers pertaining to his regiment were left 
aboard the Leona. These nippers are very necessary 
in our work here and I request that the bearer be fur- 
nished a launch to transport him to the Leona for the 
purpose of getting the nippers. 

Very respectfully, 

Jos. Wheeler, 
Maj. Genl Vols., Comdg. 



26-i THE SANTIAGO CAMPAIGN 

Headquarters Cavalry Division, 

June 29, 1898. 
Adjutant General 5th Corps, 

S.S. Seguranca : 

Sir : Two men and 3 boys have come in from Caney 
this morning and I learn from them, as follows : 

The garrison of Caney consists of 500 regulars under 
General Vara del Rey, who was in the engagement at 
Las Guasimas and 70 local guerrilla. The latter man 
the six forts that defend Caney — 1 masonry and 5 
wooden. About 3 days ago the garrison received 
from Santiago a pack train of munitions and provisions. 
The provisions will probably last 8 or 10 days. The 
informant does not believe this garrison can offer seri- 
ous resistance and believes it will evacuate promptly 
if attacked. There are no cannon in the forts at 
Caney. The population of Caney is estimated at about 
500, which, with the garrison, amounts to about 1,070 
persons. The people are all poor and have very little 
to live on — the only article of food that can be bought 
in town being rice and a little oil. 

Col. Gonzales informs me to-day that his reconnoit- 
erers report that they examined the Ducrot house and 
found it abandoned, as also the forts in Marian ej a. He 
has at present parties out examining the block-houses 
on the heights north of us, with a view to seeing if they 
are occupied. 

The work on the San Juan forts seems to be pro- 
gressing. 

I still believe that the garrison at Caney can be 
driven out or captured. 

Very respectfully, 

Jos. Wheeler, 
Major Genl Vols., Oomdg. 



COUNCIL WITH GARCIA AND CASTILLO 265 

[By the Associated Press.] 

At the Front on the Eio Guama, 

June 27, 1898. 

Gen. Lawton, Gen. Chaffee and Gen. Wheeler have 
thoroughly reconnoitered the Spanish position, and 
with the aid of information furnished by the Cubans 
have very good maps of the roads and defenses of the 
city. 

Much information has also been obtained from Span- 
ish pacificos who have slipped out of the city. 

The sick in the hospitals — the pacificos say — are 
suffering from lack of food, and they also report that 
seventy- seven Spaniards were killed and that eighty- 
nine were wounded as the result of the ensragenient on 
Friday last. 



New York, June 28, 1898. 

A despatch to the " Journal " says that on Sunday 
night Gens. Shafter, Garcia, Wheeler, Kent, Lawton 
and Demetrio Castillo held a council of war at Siboney 
and decided to move upon Santiago Tuesday morning. 

The water-supply of the city of Santiago, the des- 
patch adds, was cut off Sunday night, and nothing but 
cistern water is now available to the Spaniards. 

A bulletin issued to the fleet by Rear-Admiral 
Sampson yesterday said : 

From a report made by one of the wounded, a 
nephew of Surgeon Berry hill of the flagship New 
York, a considerable part of the' damage to our troops 
on Friday last was done by seven-millimeter machine 
guns manned by seamen, so that there would seem to 
be some probability in the report of the use ashore of 
the crews of Admiral Cervera's squadron. 



266 THE SANTIAGO CAMPAIGN 

[Special Cable to the " Sun."] 

Siboney, June 29, 1898. 

Another conference was held this morning between 
Generals Shatter, Garcia and Wheeler. The meeting 
was arranged by General Shatter and is still in pro- 
gress as this despatch is written. — New York Sun, 
July 2. 



[Special Cable to the " Sun."] 

Washington, July 1, 1898. 

According to the latest information received by the 
War Department, there are now in Santiago city thir- 
teen battalions of infantry of 800 men each, four 
squadrons of cavalry of 75 men each, one battery of 
artillery, three companies of sappers and miners of 100 
men each, two transport companies of 100 men each, 
a telegraph company of 100 men, one telegraph sec- 
tion, and 750 other men besides, making in all 11,450 
men, exclusive of volunteers. In the province alto- 
gether there are 37,825 men, of which the Manzanillo 
Division and 4,000 men from the Holquin Division are 
hurrying toward Santiago city. Shatter has at present 
10,000 men, and with the second expedition will have 
24,000 men to attack the city. — New York Sun, 
July 2. 



DUTIES OF OUTPOST COMMANDER 267 

Headquarters 5th Army Corps, 
In the Field, 
Camp near San Juan River, Cuba, June 30, 1898. 

The Commanding General Cavalry Division, 
In Camp near Sevilla, Cuba : 
Sir : In addition to rationing the four batteries of 
light artillery and four troops of mounted cavalry, as 
you have already been directed to do, the Commanding 
General directs that you also furnish them with forage. 
Very respectfully, 

E. J. McClernand, 

Asst Adjutant- General. 



Headquarters Cavalry Division, 

June 29, 1898. 

Outposts. 

Each Division will furnish the outposts for its own 
front. 

An Officer shall be detailed to command the entire 
outposts ; he shall make his headquarters with the 
reserve (support), which should be posted as centrally 
as practicable. The Outpost Commander receives 
from the Commander of the Forces (Commander of the 
Division) instructions as to the general front to be 
occupied by the outposts, their object, and the amount 
of resistance they are expected to make. He is also 
informed about the trails and roads of approach from 
the direction of the enemy, and is made acquainted 
with everything known in regard to the position and 
probable intention of the enemy. He will also be 
informed of the location and orders under which the 
Cuban forces are operating. If in existence, a topo- 



268 THE SANTIAGO CAMPAIGN 

graphical sketch of the position selected for the camp 
and the surrounding country should be furnished the 
Commander of the Outposts. The Outpost Commander 
-ends to the Commander of the Forces (Division Com- 
mander), all information received, first testing its 
accuracy as far as practicable. 

He instructs his subordinate Commanders as follows : 

1. General front of outpost line. 

2. The ground to be occupied by each. 

3. The position of neighboring supports and 

pickets. 

4. The night position of pickets and supports. 

5. What is known of enemy. 

6. Trails by which enemy might advance. 

7. Direction and method of patrolling. 

8. What is to be done in case of attack. 

9. How flaffs of truce and deserters are to be 

received. 

10. Kind of reports required. 

11. Where he is to be found. 

12. Countersign and parole. (The countersign and 

parole of Cuban forces should be identical 
cal with those of U.S. forces.) 

The outpost should strengthen the position by 
intrenching; the pickets and supports should intrench 
and the sentinels should shelter themselves in pits about 
2i feet dee]), the earth being thrown up towards the 
enemy and covered with grass, twigs, etc., in order 
that they may not attract attention. 

Part of the picket should be constantly under arms 
at night, separated from others who sleep close at hand. 

The pickets should be under arms an hour before 
daybreak and remain in ranks until it is full daylight, 



SENTINELS' DUTIES 269 

and word has come from the line of observation that 
all is clear and no enemy in sight. 

Sentinels should be posted so as to have a good view 
to the front and the flanks, and be concealed as much 
as possible. 

Each sentinel should clearly understand : 

1. The countersign. 

2. The number of his own post. 

3. The number and position of his own picket and 

the name of its Commander. 

4. The position of the neighboring sentinels. 

5. The direction of the enemy and probable line of 

his advance. 

6. The points to which all roads, trails, or paths in 

sight lead. 

7. The name of villages, hamlets, and rivers in 

view. 

8. The signals by which he should communicate 

with the pickets or detached posts. 

Only persons in the performance of duty with the 
outposts or having authority over, and Cuban soldiers 
havino- an Officer in command are allowed to cross the 
line of sentinels. All other people, except deserters 
and bearers of flags of truce, are halted, and, after 
examination, are conducted by one of the sentinels to 
the picket. If they refuse to halt or attempt to escape 
they must be shot down. 

Deserters should be halted some distance from the 
post and required to lay down their arms. The Com- 
mander for the picket is at once notified and he sends 
out a patrol to bring them in and sends them, under 
proper guard, to the Officer commanding the forces 
(Division Commander). No conversation should be 
had with deserters. The bearer of a flag of truce and 



270 THE SANTIAGO CAMPAIGN 

his escort (if he has one) tire halted in front of the line 
of sentinels and ordered to face in the direction in which 
they came. Word is sent at once to Commander of 
the picket. The sentinel must not converse with the 
bearer of a flag of truce or his escort nor allow them to 
reconnoiter while they remain halted. The Commander 
of the picket will receive any communications the bearer 
of the flag of truce may have and send them at once to 
the Commander of the forces. 

When immediate alarm is not necessary, firing should 
be avoided. Everything observed by the sentinel in 
regard to the enemy should be communicated at once 
to the pickets. If the sentinel is satisfied that the 
enemy is advancing to attack he gives the alarm at once 
by firing. The same men should be kept on same posts. 
The more intelligent men should be selected for the 
most important posts. When sentinel's post is not in 
plain view of picket, a connecting sentinel should be 
posted. 

Joseph Wheeler, 

Maj.-Gen. U.S.V. 



CHAPTER IY 

THE STATUS, MORNING OF JULY FIRST GENERAL 

SHAFTER TAKES COMMAND ON SHORE DESPATCHES 

DURING FIRST DAY, BATTLE OF SAN JUAN INTER- 
viewing spanish prisoners washington notified 

of the engagement 

Headquarters Cavalry Division, 

San Juan, July 1, 1898. 
General Shafter : 

General : I am at the foot of the hill, and will en- 
deavor to carry out your directions. 
Very respectfully, 

Jos. Wheeler, 

Maj. Genl Vols. 
P.S. — I hope reinforcements will arrive soon. 



Headquarters Cavalry Division, 

San Juan, July 1, 1898. 
Lt. Miley : 

Sir : The crest of the hill and houses are occupied 
by our troops and the reserves are just in rear below 
the crest. I hear reinforcements are coming up ; they 
should get up as soon as possible to support the artil- 
lery which has now gone to the crest of the hill. The 
Gatling gun reached the crest some time ago and has 
done 2;ood work. 



272 THE SANTIAGO CAMPAIGN 

Please ascertain from General Shatter if I shall 
continue commanding and supervising as I am, and 
commanding the Cavalry Division through General 
Sumner, or shall I resume command of the Cavalry 
Division and displace Sumner, or shall I wait till 
to-morrow before doing this? 

I have just sent the ammunition up to the Grading 

gun. 

Very respectfully, 

Jos. Wheeler, 

Mai. Genl Vols. 



Headquarters oth Army Corps, 

July 1, 1898. 
General Wheeler : 

Resume command of your Division. Conform your 
movements to those who join you on the right and left. 
I have ordered Lawton an hour ago to join on your 
right. From my position in the center I can supervise 
the battle better than from anywhere else, as I have it 

in full view. 

Shafter. 



Headquarters Cavalry Division, 

July 1, 1898. 
Brig. Gen. Sumner, U.S.V. : 

Pursuant to direction of the Commanding General I 
hereby resume immediate command of the Cavalry 
Division; you will resume command of the 1st Cavalry 

Brigade. 

Very respectfully, 

Jos. Wheeler, 
Major General U.S.V., Comdg Gov. Div. 



ON THE CREST OF THE HILL 273 

Headquarters 5th Army Corps, 

July 1, 1898. 
General Wheeler : Just received your note. 
Have urged Second Battery and reinforcements to be 
sent to top of hill. Your note has gone back to Gen- 
eral Shafter. 

J. D. Miley, 

A.D.C. 

Headquarters Cavalry Division, 

San Juan, July 1, 1898. 
General Shafter, 
Comdg : 
General : Our skirmish line is on top of the crest, 
and reserves this side the crest to avoid Spanish fire. 

The Gatling guns reached the crest of the hill and 
did good work. Capt. Best's field battery is also now 
on the hill. I think that position should be supported 
by more infantry. 

Very respectfully, 

Jos. Wheeler, 

Maj. Gen. Vols. 



Headquarters 5th Army Corps, 

El Pozo, July 1, 1898, 2.05 p.m. 
To General Wheeler, 

Commanding Dismounted Cavalry Division : 
Sir : The Commanding General directs me to say 
your message about Generals Sumner and Kent are 
received. We understand all are over the San Juan 
now, and that all is going Avell at the front. 

A battery has just been ordered over the San Juan 
to give what assistance it can. Do you think another 



274 THE SANTIAGO CAMPAIGN 

can be used to advantage? I send two extra letters. 
Please send to Generals Sumner and Kent by two of 
the mounted orderlies you have. 

Very respectfully, 

E. J. McClernand, 

A.A.G. 



Headquarters 5th Army Corps, 

July 1, 1898. 

General Wheeler : Hold the ground where you are 
until night, keeping under the hill where entrenching 
tools will be sent to the front as soon as it is dark. 
Rations and artillery will be sent also. Lawton's Divi- 
sion and Bates' Brigade which have practically been out 
of the main fight trying to capture the town of Caney 
were ordered an hour and a half ago to close in on 
Sumner's right. 

Shafter. 



Headquarters 5th Army Corps, 

July 1, 1898. 
General Wheeler, 

Cavalry Division : 
Sir : Commanding General directs me to say he has 
just heard from General Lawton. He will move and 
join on your right to-night. General Kent says he is 
short of ammunition. Can you not spare him some 
from the train you received? 

Very respectfully, 

E. J. McClernand, 

A.A.G. 



TRAVERSES AND INTRENCHMENTS 275 

Headquarters Cavalry Division, 

San Juan, July 1, 1898, 5.45 p.m. 
Geneeal Shafter : 

Sir : I think the important question now is to fortify 
this ridge. To do this effectively we should have Col. 
Derby and the Engineers to lay out the lines, and the 
Generals should be here to superintend the work and 
press it forward. We will probably have to make some 
traverses. If we get this work well forward to-night 
we can continue it to-morrow and the men can have 
comparative security. 

The left flank is our weakest point. I have called 
Gen. Kent's attention to this and asked him to do all 
he can. 

I cannot hear of Gen. Lawton's approach. Please 
express your wishes to me for to-night. 
Very respectfully, 

Jos. Wheeler, 

Maj. Gen. Vols. 



Headquarters 5th Army Corps, 

July 1, 1898. 
Major Gen. Wheeler, 

Cavalry Division: 
Sir : Commanding General directs me to say am- 
munition, rations and intrenching-tools (all that we 
have of the latter) will go forward. General Lawton 
has captured Caney and will join the right of our line 
before daybreak, bringing his battery with him. All 
artillery are ordered to open at daylight. 

McClernand, 

A.A.G. 



276 THE SANTIAGO CAMPAIGN 

Headquarters Cavalry Division, 
San Juan, July 1, 1898, 6.40 p. m. 
General Shafter : 

Sir : It is now approaching dark, and the situation 
remains unchanged. Our right is weak, as so many 
men have been wounded and drifted away. I am now 
trying to strengthen it, but wish very much for Lawton 
to make connection on my right. Capt. Galbraith, on 
the extreme right, fears a return attack by the Spaniards 
to-night, but I do not think this is probable. I have 
just seen Gen. Hawkins ; he says he will commence 
intrenching and his line is all right for to-night. I 
have given him part of the intrenching tools. The 
three commanding officers of Sumner's Brigade are 
wounded. We need more intrenching-tools. 
Very respectfully, 

Jos. Wheeler, Maj. Gen. Vols. 
p.S. — Have just seen Col. Wood, and he will com- 
mence intrenching at once. Will give him what tools 
I can. J- " • 

Will you send Col. Derby to me at once? 
Maj. Beach and I are making a preliminary recon- 
naissance now. J- " • 

Headquarters Cavalry Division, 

San Juan, July 1, 1898, 8.20 p.m. 
General Shafter : 

Sir : I examined the line in front of Wood's Brigade 
and gave the men shovels and picks and insisted on 
their ffoine right to work. I also sent word to Gen- 

^ & © 

eral Kent to come and get intrenching-tools, and saw 
General Hawkins in person and told him the same 
thing. They all promise to do their best, but say the 
earth is very difficult, as a great part of it is rocky. 



THE APPEALS "TO WITHDRAW THE LINE" 277 

The positions our men carried were very strong and 
the intrenchinents were very strong. 

A number of officers have appealed to me to have 
the line withdrawn and take up a strong position 
farther back, and I expect they will appeal to you. I 
have positively discountenanced this, as it would cost 
us muck prestige. 

The lines are now very thin, as so many men have 
gone to the rear with wounded, and so many are 
exhausted ; but I hope these men can be got up to- 
night, and with our line intrenched and Lawton on our 
right we ought to hold to-morrow, but I fear it will be 
a severe day. If we can get through to-morrow all 
right, we can make our breastworks very strong the next 
night. You can hardly realize the exhausted condition 
of the troops. The 3d and 6th Cavalry and other troops 
were up marching and halted on the road all last night, 
and have fought for twelve hours to-day, and those that 
are not on the line will be digging trenches to-night. 

I was on the extreme front line. The men were 
lying down and reported the Spaniards not more than 
three hundred yards in their front. 
Very respectfully, 

Your obedient servant, 
Jos. Wheeler, Major-General Volunteers. 



Headquarters Cavalry Division, 

San Juan, July 1, 1898, 8.45 p.m. 
General Kent : 

Dear General : There seems to be a good deal of 
apprehension about the left of your line. I do not 
know the situation myself. You understand it better 
than I do ; I know you will protect it. Gen. Shafter 
writes that Lawton will be up and form on the right of 



278 THE SANTIAGO CAMPAIGN 

your Cavalry by morning. I also learn that he has 
taken Caney. If you get some covering for your troops 
I think we can stand our ground to-morrow. 
Very respectfully, 

Jos. Wheeler, Maj. Genl Vols. 



Headquarters Cavalry Division, 

July 1, 1898. 
General Shafter : 

My interpreter, Mr. Mestre, has been interviewing 
some Spanish prisoners captured in the trenches of San 
Juan, with the following result : 

The intrenchments of San Juan, or one of them, 
appear to have been defended by 2 companies of the 
Porto Rico Battalion, under the command of Major 
Lamadrid, numbering proximately 250 to 300 men. 
At about 1 1 o'clock in the morning, reinforcements were 
sent out under Col. Vaquero, including some more 
regulars of the Porto Rico Battalions and volunteers, 
to the total number of about 500 men. They brought 
with them 2 mountain pieces, which were planted in 
the road between the two heights of San Juan a little 
to the front. Gen. Linares also came out from the City 
of Santiago, but did not £o to the front. The cannons 
that were fired at El Pozo in the morning, in answer to 
our fire, are from batteries in Santiago, from which the 
fire was kept up during the whole engagement, as also 
from the mountain pieces set up in the road. From 
the report of 2 of the soldiers, there appear to be about 
6 larger cannons in Santiago and 2 smaller in the dif- 
ferent batteries, as follows : In Transeunte fort 1 can- 
non, in Seuno 2 large and 2 small, in Canadas 1 cannon, 
probably the one that has done most of the firing at the 
entrance from Caney, and 1 cannon in front of the bar- 
racks and Mercedes hospital where Lt. Hobson is kept. 



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EL CANEY CARRIED 279 

According to all the prisoners (examined separately), 
the regular troops in the City are not more than 6000 
to 8000 and as many more volunteers and guerrillas. 
The troops are all very badly fed, but the soldiers 
admit that since the blockade they have been a little bet- 
ter, having had some of the American relief provisions. 
These provisions are gone or only kept now for the 
hospitals. The Porto Rico Battalion received a little 
pay some days ago for the first time in 10 months. 
According to these prisoners, there are numerous heads 
of cattle in the city, but only the officers eat meat. 
These men had no idea how large our army is and 
say their officers have given them no information on 
this head. The prisoners are all wounded and are being 
sent down to the hospital. 

Yours respectfully, 
Jos. Wheeler, Major General Vols. 



Headquarters 5th Army Corps, 

July 1, 1898. 
Secretary of War, 
Washington : 
Had a very heavy engagement to-day, which lasted 
from 8 a.m. till sundown. We have carried their out- 
works and are now in possession of them. There is 
now about three-quarters of a mile of open between 
my lines and the city. By morning troops will be 
intrenched, and considerable augmentation of forces 
will be there. Gen. Lawton's Division and Gen. 
Bates's Brigade, which have been engaged all day in 
carrying El Caney, which was accomplished at 4 p. m., 
will be in line and in front of Santiago during the 
night. I regret to say that our casualties will be above 
400. Of these not many killed. Shafter. 



CHAPTER Y 

THE STATUS, MORNING OF JULY SECOND DESPATCHES 

DURING SECOND DAY, BATTLE OF SAN JUAN ORDER 

FOR LIST OF CASUALTIES 

Headquarters Cavalry Division, 

San Juan, July 2, 1898, 4 a.m. 

General Shafter : 

Sir: The batteries are in position. Shall they com- 
mence bombardment at daylight, though Lawton is not 
up? There has already been some firing against our 
right, and the Chief of Artillery understands that the 
order for Lawton to be on the right was a part of the 
order for him to commence firing, and each depended 
on the other. Major Dillenback thinks if he com- 
mences firing before Lawton gets up he will be subject 
to a flank fire from the enemy's infantry. 

We certainly expect Lawton up very soon and there 
will not l)e much delay. We still hope he will get up 
by daylight. Another reason is, Lawton will have to 
go on line under fire if the firing begins before he 
gets up. 

Very respectfully, 

Jos. Wheeler, 

Maj. Gen. Vols. 



DISPOSITION OF THE TROOPS 281 

Headquarters 5th Army Corps, 

July 2, 1898, 4.50 a.m. 
To General Wheeler, 

Commanding Cavalry Division: 
Sir : The Commanding General directs you do not 
commence firing until General Lawton's Division is up. 
Very respectfully, 

McClernand, A.A.G. 

General Lawton will probably come via our camp 
and El Pozo House. Guide was sent him at 1 a.m., 
but no news from him yet. 

E. J. McC. 



Headquarters Cavalry Division, 

July 2, 1898. 
Gen. S. S. Sumner, 

Commanding 2d Brigade, Cavalry Division : 
Sir : Col. Wood is making his defenses very strong, 
and the infantry are also improving theirs very much. 
I wish you to improve yours and it might be well for 
you to send an officer to see the work clone by Col. 
Wood. 

Jos. Wheeler, 

Maj. Gen. Vols. 



Headquarters Cavalry Division, 

July 2, 1898. 
Col. Wood, 

Comdg 2d Brigade : 
The Commanding Officer Division directs that you 
relieve the 13th Infantry, and have it report as soon as 
practicable to General Kent, on the left of the line. 



282 THE SANTIAGO CAMPAIGN 

Please arrange with General Lawton to connect with 
your right before you withdraw the 13th. You will of 
course close in the 9th Cavalry to the left on the 3d. 
If not safe to do this to-day, make the change to-night. 
Very respectfully, 

M. F. Steele, 

1st Lt. 8 Cav., Aid. 



Headquarters 5th Army Corps, 
El Pozo House, July 2, 1898, 8 a.m. 

To General Wheeler, 

Gomdg Dismounted Cavalry : 
Sir : A message from you announcing the arrival 
the head of General Lawton's Division is just received. 
Major Dillenback arrived here a moment ago and re- 
ported this as the only place for artillery, and all four 
batteries will be placed here and shell the town to the 
left of our line. The balance of General Lawton's 
Division and General Duffield's Brigade are moving to 
the front. 

By command of Major General Shafter, 
McClernand, 

A.A.G. 
P. S. — If you see General Lawton please say the 
1st Infantry will be held, temporarily at least, to guard 
the batteries. 



ARTILLERY TO HOLD THEIR FIRE 283 

Headquarters Cavalry Division, 

San Juan, July 2, 1898, 10.15 a.m. 
Major Dillenback, 
El Pozo Hill : 
Sir : In shelling the City from your present position 
please hear in mind that we have troops to the left of 
the blockhouse on a hillside about 400 yards nearer the 
City than the blockhouse is. 

Very respectfully, 

Jos. Wheeler, 

Maj. Gen. Vols. 



Headquarters 5th Army Corps, 
El Pozo House, July 2, 1898, 10.45 a.m. 

Commanding General Cavalry Division : 

Sir : The Commanding General desires to be informed 
of your position and the general situation in your 
front. The four batteries of artillery will take posi- 
tion near the Pozo House, but will not open fire to-day 
unless the enemy provokes it. 

Very respectfully, 

E. J. McClernand, 

Asst Adjt Genl. 



Headquarters Cavalry Division, 

San Juan, July 2, 1898, 11 a.m. 

Major General Shafter, 
5th Corps: 

The situation is the same as it has been all day. 

I have reinforced Kent's left with one of Duffield's 
regiments. 



28-i THE SANTIAGO CAMPAIGN 

The Duffield regiment to remain only until I can 
give Kent back the 13th Infantry. 

I regret that we are having some killed and wounded. 
The Cubans are still at this point. 
Very respectfully, 

Jos. Wheeler, 

Maj. Gen. Vols. 



Headquarters Cavalry Division, 

July 2, 1898, 12.15 p.m. 

General W. R. Shafter, 

Comdg, etc. : 

Sir : General Bates is now on our extreme left with 
his left flank refused or thrown back so as to face 
southwest and also to face batteries that we feared 
would intilade us. Kent's Division is on Bates' right ; 
the Cavalry Division is on the right of Kent ; Lawton 
is formed on the right of Cavalry Division. One regi- 
ment of Duffield sent over to strengthen Kent's left to 
remain until I could lend him the 13th Inf., which in 
the hurry of movement got mixed in with Cavalry yes- 
terday. I asked General Lawton to put one platoon in 
the San Juan building to N.E. of us for purpose of 
observation. 

The men have made some breastworks and they are 
endeavoring to keep as quiet to-day as possible so as to 
secure rest and peace which they need very much. 

We are losing a few killed and wounded, but are 
lighting as little as possible. I suppose Lawton will 
throw his right forward so as to somewhat encircle the 
city, but I presume he will await instructions from you 
on that point and that he has already received such 



POSITIONS OF THE COMMANDS 285 

instructions. One regiment of General Duffield is in 
reserve near my Headquarters. 

The Cubans have moved over to our right. We have 
distributed ammunition and rations so far as I learn 
there is any need for them. 

Very respectfully, 

Joseph Wheeler, 
Major Genl, Gommndg Cav. Div. 



Headquarters Cavalry Division, 

July 2, 1898. 

General Shafter : General Lawton's Division is 
now taking position on the right of our Cavalry. I had 
to let the artillery withdraw to take a better position. 
They were exposed to so hot infantry fire that they were 
unable to fire where they were. Maj. Dillenback is 
sure of being able to effectively bombard Santiago from 
the position he had withdrawn to. 

Very respectfully, 

Jos. Wheeler, 

Maj. Gen. Vols. 



Headquarters Cavalry Division, 

July 2, 1898. 

General Shafter : General Chaffee's Brigade of 
General Lawton's Division is now in line on the right 
of Cavalry. General Lawton's other two are on the 
road coming up. The Cubans under Col. Gonzales 
have come up and General Lawton is holding them to 
decide where to put them in. The batteries have been 



286 THE SANTIAGO CAMPAIGN 

delayed by bad ford and have caused General Lawton's 
two Brigades some delay, but they are pushing on and 
hope they will be here soon. 

General Ludlow's Brigade is now arriving and Gen- 
eral Lawton is putting it in position. The men are 
tiring as little as they can and we are tiyingto let them 
rest as much as possible, in order that they may be in 
condition to work on the intrenchments to-night. 

Very respectfully, 

Jos. Wheeler, 

Maj. Genl Vol. 



Headquarters 5th Army Corps, 

July 2, 1898. 

My dear Gen. Wheeler : What do you think of 
the idea of sending a division in rear of the left divi- 
sion to clear out the forts along the entrance to the bay 
so as to let the Navy in and have the business over. 
Can it be done? 

Very respectfully, 

Wm. R. Shafter. 



Headquarters Cavalry Division, 

July 2, 1898. 
Major General Shafter, 
Comdg U.S. Forces: 
Dear General : I regret to say that I do not think 
Infantry can take the forts along the entrance of the 
bay. I would like to do it, but the effort would be 
attended with terrible loss. We can procure artillery 
ammunition without limit. It seems to me it would be 



LOCATING SIEGE-GUNS 287 

a good plan to place our siege guns and other artillery 
in position and hammer at Santiago and at all the bat- 
teries that interfere with us. Our artillerymen should 
be studying positions to do this work and I can have no 
doubt as to the final result. If we hammer at the 
enemy's batteries they will fire back upon ours, and we 
all know that there are so few men connected with bat- 
teries and they learn to take such care of themselves 
that losses are comparatively small. Again, if there is 
a heavy fire at the batteries which can enfilade our line 
they will be apt to neglect our line and devote them- 
selves to our batteries. 

Very respectfully, 

Jos. Wheeler, 

Major Genl Comdg. 

What I mean by infantry not being able to take 
forts along entrance of bay is that it would take a large 
force and an enormous loss would be sustained. 



Headquarters Cavalry Division, 

July 2, 1898. 
Major Dillenback, 

Chief Artillery : 
Sir : Will you please have an artillery officer recon- 
noiter the extreme right of General Sumner's line 
(which may now be occupied by General Lawton) 
passing around the foot of the hill on top of which 
Sumner's right is posted? There appears to be a 
range of low hills near by at right angles to Sumner's 
right, from which an oblique fire could be had on the 
Spanish lines of approach from Santiago, and which 



288 THE SANTIAGO CAMPAIGN 

may be beyond infantry range from the positions the 
Spanish infantry occupy. 

By command of Maj. Genl Wheeler, 

Very respectfully, 

Your obedient servant, 

J. H. Dorst, 

Lt. Col., A.A.G. 



Headquarters Cavalry Division, 

July 2, 1898, 2 p.m. 

General Shafter : Referring to enclosed note 
from General Kent, it is believed that the position 
toward which the gun is being taken enfilades our lines 
and takes part of it in reverse. 

Very respectfully, 

Jos. Wheeler, 
Maj. Gen. Vols., Comndg Cav. Div. 



Headquarters Cavalry Division, 

July 2, 1898. 

General Shafter : The enemy's battery near the 
city, which faces southwest, will I fear be a serious 
menace. I have told General Kent's Adjt General 
thai they must do the best they can by building 
traverses until our siege guns can be gotten up to 
silence it. Could not our field guns silence this 

battery V 

Jos. Wheeler, 

Major Gen. Vols. 



THE FIRING CEASED 289 

Headquarters 5th Army Corps, 

July 2, 1898. 

Commanding General Cavalry Division : 

Sir : The Commanding General directs me to call 
upon you to submit as early as possible a list of the 
killed and wounded in your command. 
Very respectfully, 

E. J. McClernand, 

Asst Adj.Gen. 



Headquarters Cavalry Division, 

July 2, 1898. 

General Shafter : I have received your note 
directing me to send a list of killed and wounded and 
I will attend to it at once. Everything is about as it 
has been all day, but firing has ceased all along the 
line. 

Very respectfully, 

Jos. Wheeler, 

Maj. Gen. Vols, 



CHAPTER YI 

THE STATUS, MORNING OF JULY THIRD NEWS OF 

THE DESTRUCTION OF CERVERA's FLEET LETTER 

FROM GENERAL TORAL CONSULS NEGOTIATING FOR 

REMOVAL OF CIVILIANS DURING PROPOSED BOMBARD- 
MENT A FOURTH OF JULY CELEBRATION 

Headquarters Cavalry Division, 

July 3, 1898. 
To Col. McClernand, In Field : 

The Spanish fleet ran out of Santiago harbor about 9 
a.m. to-day. Terrific naval battle outside. Three Span- 
ish gunboats and one torpedo boat destroyed. Run on 
beach and burned up. One Spanish gunboat still at large 
going westward and greater portion of fleet in pursuit. 

I saw the three gunboats and one torpedo boat. Signal 
fires on hills west of Morro Castle last night. The torpedo 
boat on beach about 3 miles, two gunboats about 6 miles 
and third imnboat about 20 miles west of Morro Castle. 

Fred A. Smith, A.A.A.G. 



Headquarters Cavalry Division, 

July 3, 1898. 
General Shafter : 

General : I saw General Miles' telegram asking 
what we wanted. Among other things they should 
send underclothing and shoes enough to give every 



"KUSH THIS AROUND OUR LINES" 291 

man a change. When we get our line a little stronger, 
many of the men can rest while a few hold the trenches. 
This should keep the whole Army sufficiently rested. 
There is a little fire along the position this morning. 
Very respectfully, 

Jos. Wheeler, 

Maj. Gen. Vols. 



Headquarters 5th Army Corps, 

El Pozo, July 3, 1898, 1 p.m. 

Col. McClernand : Lieut. Allen, 2d Cav., from 
our extreme right where he overlooked the bay states 
that Admiral Cervera's fleet steamed out this morning 
and encased our fleet. French consul who came into 
our lines yesterday informed Gen. Garcia, Admiral 
Cervera said yesterday, it was better to die fighting 
than to sink his ships. Rush this notification all around 

our lines to the front. 

Shafter, Comdg. 



Headquarters 5th Army Corps, 

July 3, 1898. 
Major Gen. Wheeler : 

Sir : Now that the fleet is destroyed I believe the 
garrison will surrender, and all we have to do is hang 
on where we are and very soon starve them out. 
Law ton is with Garcia charged with stopping the 
reinforcements the advance of which have arrived too 
near where Garcia tore the railroad up and are there 
disembarking. I do not believe he can get in. If 
necessary we can move Bates around to your immediate 
right and let Lawton's whole Division cut loose on 
Gen. Pando, whose men will have to come into the open 



292 THE SANTIAGO CAMPAIGN 

and charge us. I have sent Lawton a battery of 
Lt. Artillery to play on them. There is but one road 
which they can come in on which heretofore has been 
under the guns of the fleet. 

Very respectfully, 

Wm. R. Shafter. 



Headquarters Cavalry Division, 

July 3, 1898. 

Gen. Wheeler : Have just sent message to you say- 
ing that I will accede to the request of the foreigners 
not to fire on the town if the Spanish will keep quiet. 

Shafter. 



Headquarters Cavalry Division, U.S. Army, 

July 3, 1898. 
General Shafter : 

General : I have received your communication and 
will send it forward promptly. The condition here is 
about the same as last reported. 

Very respectfully, 
Jos. Wheeler, Maj. Gen. Vols. 



Army of the Island of Cuba, 4th Army Corps, 

Santiago de Cuba, July 3, 1898, at 9 o'clock. 

To His Excellency 

The General of the Cavalry Division of the Forces 
of the United Slates : 
Your Excellency : I am receiving at nine at night 
through the English Consul your esteemed communi- 
cation dated this afternoon at 6.45 and referring to the 
withdrawal, from danger of the bombardment, of for- 
eign subjects and women and children in the city. I do 



TRUCE FOR THE CONSULS' VISIT 293 

not hesitate to order my troops to remain quiet during 
that time, if they be not attacked by the Americans ; 
this in aid of the proposals of Your Excellency and be- 
lieving that the commissioners of the foreign govern- 
ments will go to-morrow, the fourth, and have a con- 
ference with Your Excellency, in accordance with a 
communication presented by the Dean of the Consuls. 
I remain, Your Excellency, 

Your most obedient servant, 

J. Toral, 
Commander-in-Chief in the Interim, 4th Army Corps, 
and Military Governor of Santiago de Cuba. 



Headquarters Cavalry Division, 

July 3, 1898. 
Genl. Shafter : I enclose a copy of the letter 
which I sent forward with the flag of truce. I wrote 
it as I did so as to convey the impression to the 
Spaniards that the line I occupy was only an advance 
line. Do you send Orders to Lawton to make the move, 
or do you expect me to send them ? If you send the 
Orders to Lawton please advise me when to move Bates. 
Very respectfully, 

Joseph Wheeler, 
Major General Vols. 



Headquarters 5th Army Corps, 

El Pozo, July 3, 2.30 p.m. 
Gen. Wheeler, 

Comdg Cavalry Division : 
Sir : The Commanding General directs me to ask if 
any reply has been received to our message sent under 
flag of truce, and for the situation generally. 



294 THE SANTIAGO CAMPAIGN 

A good many of our men can be seen straying away 
from the trenches where they would be at disadvan- 
tage if the enemy should attack suddenly. 
Very respectfully, 

E. J. McClernand, 

A.A.G. 



Headquarters Cavalry Division, 

July 3, 1898. 
Gen'l Shafter : Generals Kent and Sumner wrote 
you this morning concerning the importance of cutting 
two or more new trails cut through from this point. 
A great deal could be done very promptly to relieve the 
situation by widening the main road to the width of 
two or three roads. The Cubans could do this with 
their machetes, or if they are not available our men 
should be put at it with axes. 

Very respectfully, 

Jos. Wheeler, 

Maj.-Gen. Vols. 

p.S. — Qenl Sumner and Col. Wood are now with me. 
They report entire loss of Cavalry Division last night 
one killed and one wounded. 



Headquarters Cavalry Division, 

July 3, 1898. 

Genl Sttafter : Col. Dorst has just returned bring- 
ing the British, Portuguese, Chinese, Norwegian Pro- 
Consuls representing the Consular Corps. They wish 
to know if the old men and all non-combatants may 
conic out and occupy Caney and places on the railway 
line. They also want a postponement till 10 a.m. the 



NAMES OF THE CONSULS 295 

5th instant. Please answer at once as these gentlemen 
desire to return before dark. 

Very respectfully, 

Jos. Wheeler, 

Major- General Vols. 

They received notice only at 3 o'clock. 

There are 15 to 20,000 women and children in the 
city. 

Consuls who called under flag of truce, July 3d, 
1898: 

Frederick W. Ramsden, H.B.M. Consul, Santiago de Cuba ; 
Isidoro P. Agustini, Swedish and Norwegian V.-Con. ; 
Modesto Ras, Porkcgtiese Consul; 
Robert Mason, British Pro-Consul and Chinese Consul; 
Frederick Wm. Ramsden (fils). 



Headquarters 5th Army Corps, 

El Pozo, July 3, 1898, 4.25 p.m. 

To General Wheeler, 

Commdg Cavalry Division : 
Sir : The Commanding General directs me to say it 
has been reported a truce has been arranged for part of 
the afternoon, and to ask you to state the details if the 
rumor be true. 

Very respectfully, 

E. J. McClernand, 

A.A.G. 



296 THE SANTIAGO CAMPAIGN 

Headquarters 5th Army Corps, 
Camp near San Juan River, Cuba, July 4, 1898. 

Commanding General Cavalry Division : 

Sir : I enclose herewith copies of a telegram received 
last night from General Miles, which I desire to have 
read at the head of each regiment this morning. At 
noon have bands play. No salutes will be fired. 
Very respectfully, 

Wm. R. Shafter, 
Major-General U.S. Vols., Commanding. 



Washington, D.C., July 3, 1898. 
General Shafter, 
Siboney : 
Accept my hearty congratulations on the record made 
of magnificent fortitude, gallantry and sacrifice dis- 
played in the desperate fighting of the troops before 
Santiago. 

I realize the hardships, difficulties and suffering, and 
am proud that amidst it all the troops illustrated such 
fearless and patriotic devotion to the welfare of our 
common country and flag. Whatever the result to 
follow, their unsurpassed deeds of valor is already a 
gratifying chapter of history. Expect to be with you 
within one week with strong reinforcements. 

Miles, 
Major-General Comdg. 




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CHAPTER VII 

GARCIA ALLOWS PANDO WITH REINFORCEMENTS TO SLIP 

PAST HIM GENERAL MILES COMING A PRISONER'S 

INFORMATION ABOUT FORT AGUADORES WOUNDED 

SPANISH OFFICERS EXCHANGE OF HOBSON AND HIS 

MEN RETURNS OF THE KILLED AND WOUNDED 

Headquarters Cavalry Division, 

San Juan, July 4, 1898, 7.50 a.m. 
General Sumner, 

Comdg 1st Cav. Brgde: 
Sir : General Wheeler desires that you instruct your 
officers to make all reasonable efforts to locate definitely 
the position of the enemy's batteries. 
Very respectfully, 

James H. Reeves, Aid. 



Headquarters 5th Army Corps, 

July 4, 1898, 10.20 a.m. 

To General Wheeler : Just received letter from 
General Garcia that five thousand men entered the city 
last night over the Cobu road. I understood from 
Lawton that this road was securely covered by Garcia's 
men, nearly 4,000 in number since day before yester- 
day. Garcia must have withdrawn and given them free 
entrance. If this was the case there will probably be 
an attack made at any minute. Our lines must be 



298 THE SANTIAGO CAMPAIGN 

made as strong as possible. I am expecting 6,000 men 
every hour and 3,000 from Camp Alger hourly. Tele- 
gram from General Miles last night savs thut he will be 
here with strong reinforcements within a week. Have 
just wired above information. Acknowledge receipt. 

Shafter. 



Headquarters Cavalry Division, 

July 4, 1898, 11.25 a.m. 

General Shafter : I have received your message 
regarding Spanish reinforcements. Will instruct troops 



to be on strict guard. 



Joseph Wheeler. 



Headquarters 5th Army Corps, 

July 4, 1898. 

To Major General Wheeler : General Shafter 

has instructed me to say that he has sent for Major 

Dillenback in regard to sites selected by his Engineer 

Officer yesterday. 

J. D. Miley, Aid. 



Headquarters 5th Army Corps, 
Camp near San Juan Kiver, Cuba, July 4, li 
Commanding General Cavalry Division: 

Sir: I am directed by the Commanding General to 
inform you Capt. L. M. Brett, 2d Cavalry, has been 
appointed Provost Marshal General at these Head- 
quarters, and with his Troop F, 2d Cavalry, will per- 
form the duties pertaining to that position. 

Your attention is invited to the fact that a great many 
stragglers coming to the rear claim to have been sent 

Go ' 

back by different officers for various kinds of property. 



STRAGGLERS TO THE REAR 299 

No man will be sent to the rear except in cases of ur- 
gent necessity, and will be provided with written passes 
signed by the proper officer. 

Very respectfully, 

E. J. McClernand, A.A.G. 



Headquarters Cavalry Division, 

San Juan, July 4, 1898. 
Adjutant Gen'l 5th Corps : 

Sir : I have your communication with reference to 
the men straying from the front and have given imme- 
diate orders to have it stopped. 

Very respectfully, 

Jos. Wheeler, 

Major- Gen'l Vols. 
I am sending this to Lawton also. Is that right? 

J. W. 



Headquarters U.S. Forces, 

San Juan River, July 4, 1898. 
General Orders ) 
No. 21. 5 

I. The General Commanding congratulates the 
army on the results of its first general engagement 
with the enemy. The strongly fortified outpost and 
village of Caney was captured after a most stubborn 
resistance, nearly its entire garrison being killed, 
wounded or captured by the 2nd Division, 5th Corps, 
Brigadier-General Lawton commanding. The heroic 
valor displayed by those troops adds another brilliant 
page to the history of American warfare. To Major- 
General Wheeler of the Cavalry Division was prob- 
ably given the most difficult task, that of crossing a 



300 THE SANTIAGO CAMPAIGN 

stream under fire, and deploying under the enemy's 
rifle-pits. These he almost immediately charged, and 
carried in the most gallant manner, driving the enemy 
from his strong positions to the shelter of the stronger 
works in rear. This was only accomplished by the 
most persevering and arduous efforts, officers and men 
exposing themselves to the deadly fire of the Spanish 
troops. In these efforts he was ably seconded by 
Brigadier-General Kent with the 1st Division on the 
extreme left, who also captured the works on his front. 
Numerous distinguished acts have been reported, and 
in due time will be made known to the proper author- 
ities. 

By command of Major-General Shafter, 

E. J. McCleknand, 
Assistant Adjutant General. 



Headquarters 5th Army Corps, 

July 4, 1898. 
Maj. Gen. Wheeler, 

Com'dg Cavalry Division: 
Sir : The Commanding General directs me to say he 
agrees with vou, it would be a mistake to move Bates 
under the present circumstances. He intended to do it 
only to stop Pando, but as he got into the city last night 
with probably five thousand men, through the ineffici- 
ency of the Cubans, there is no occasion to move him. 

McClernand, 

A.A.G. 



FLAG OF TRUCE, WITH LETTERS 301 

Headquarters 5th Army Corps, 
Camp near San Juan River, Cuba, July 4, 1898. 

Major General Wheeler, 

Comdg Dismounted Cavalry Division: 
Sir : The Commanding General directs you to send 
the three accompanying communications to the Spanish 
Commander, under a flag of truce. 

He believes the best results will be obtained by hav- 
ing the same officer attend to such matters, and there- 
fore desires Lieut. Col. Dorst to be sent. 
Very respectfully, 

E. J. McClernand, 
Assistant Adjutant- General. 



Headquarters Cavalry Division, 

July 4, 1898. 
Adjutant General 5th Corps : 

Sir : There are several dead animals lying in the 
San Juan River above the point where this command 
obtains its drinking-water. The only way to remedy 
this is to have a wagon sent up there to haul them out. 
We have not the facilities for doing this here. 
Very respectfully, 

Jos. Wheeler, 
Major GerCl Vols. 



Headquarters 5th Army Corps, 

July 4, 1898. 
Wagon will be sent you to-morrow forenoon to draw 
the animals out of the way. 

Very respectfully, 

McClernand, A.A.G. 



302 THE SANTIAGO CAMPAIGN 

Headquarters Cavalry Division, 

San Juan, July 4, 1898. 

General Shafter : 

Oommdg 5th Army Corps; 
Your order has been received about General Bates 
and about letters to be forwarded to the Spanish Com- 
mander, and Colonel Dorst is getting ready to start. 
Very respectfully, 

Jos. Wheeler. 



Headquarters Cavalry Division, 

San Juan, July 4, 1898. 

A.-G. 5th Corps : 

Sir : Please notify me when Lawton is to move so I 
can move Bates to take his place. 
Very resp., 

Wheeler, 

Maj.-Gen. Vol. 



Headquarters 5tii Army Corps, 
Camp near San Juan River, Cuba, July 4, 1898. 

Commanding General Cavalry Division : 

Sir : The Commanding General directs you send 
in, to-day, a list, by regiment, of the killed and 
wounded in your command. 

Very respectfully, 

E. J. McClernand, 
Assistant Adjutant- General. 



A SPANISH INFORMER 303 

Headquarters Cavalry Division, 

July 4, 1898, 6.30 p.m. 
Major General Shafter, 

Commanding : 
Sir : I send with 2 men from the 9th Massachusetts, 
a Spanish soldier, whom they captured to the left of 
our line, with his rifle. He belonged to the garrison of 
Fort Aguadores, which he says is in command of Major 
Soler. He says there is only one company of 100 men 
in the fort, which is of stone and has 3 cannons. Of 
these cannons, however, only one is serviceable. Its 
bore seems to be about 6 inches. The men will tell 
you the circumstances of his capture. The prisoner 
informs me that the back part of the fort has been 
somewhat damaged by the guns of our navy. 
Yours respectfully, 

Jos. Wheeler, Maj.-Gen. 



[Telephone message.] 

Headquarters Cavalry Division, 

July 4, 1898. 
General Shafter : The Artillery Officers ought to 
be at San Juan examining the ground and forts of the 
enemy. This is very important. 

Joseph Wheeler, 

Major- General. 

Headquarters 5th Army Corps, 

July 5, 1898, 1 a.m. 
General Wheeler, 

ComcTg Cavalry Division : 
Sir : The Commanding General directs me to say 
you will inform the Spanish officers that our Navy 
having destroyed the Spanish fleet is probably attack- 



304 THE SANTIAGO CAMPAIGN 

ing the forts near the mouth of the harbor with a view 
of reducing them. 

We are pledged here not to open fire until noon to- 
day, and it will be observed by the Army. So inform 
the Spaniards. 

Very respectfully, 

E. J. McClernand, A.A.G. 



Headquarters 5th Army Corps, 

July 5, 1898. 
Maj. Gen. Wheeler : I had intended to come out 
to see you this morning, but do not feel able to do so. 
Large reinforcements are expected. Hoping you are 
all well, 

Very respectfully, 

W. R. Shafter. 



Headquarters 5th Army Corps, 

July 5, 1898. 
To General Wheeler : Have the ambulances with 
the wounded Spanish Officers reached your lines yet? 
Send them on under nag as soon as they do. 

Shafter. 

Headquarters Cavalry Division, 

July 5, 1898. 
Major General Shafter : No wounded Spanish 
officers have come out this way. Are they to come 
out by this road or direct through Caney? I have 
just returned from the extreme left of our line. We 
have strengthened it very much. 

Yours respectfully, 

Jos. Wheeler, Major General. 



THANKS FROM TORAL : HOBSON 305 

[Telephone message.] 

Headquarters Cavalry Division, 

July 5, 1898, 6.25 p.m. 
General Shafter : 

General Toral sends word by a flag that the wounded 
have arrived safely and he expresses his thanks for the 
kindness shown them. 

Jos. Wheeler. 



Headquarters 5th Army Corps, 

July 5, 1898. 
General Wheeler : General Toral has just ac- 
ceeded to my proposition to exchange Hobson and his 
men, and it will be done to-morrow a. m. 

Shafter. 



Headquarters 5th Army Corps, 

Camp near Santiago, July 5, 1898. 

Adjutant General, 
Washington : 
I am just in receipt of a letter from Gen. Toral, 
agreeing to exchange Hobson and men here. To make 
exchange in the morning. Yesterday he refused my 
proposition of exchange. 

Shafter, 

Major General. 



Headquarters 5th Army Corps, 
Camp near San Juan River, Cuba, July 5, 1898. 

Commanding General Cavalry Division : 

Sir: The Commanding General directs me say 
he desires to get a list by regiments of the killed and 
wounded in your command during our operations since 



306 THE SANTIAGO CAMPAIGN 

the 30th ultimo, and hope you will send it in as soon 
as possible. If you have the necessary blanks, use the 
" Return of Casualties " ; if not, forward the information 
in the best form you can. 

Very respectfully, 

E. J. McClernand, 

Assistant Adjutant General. 



Headquarters 5th Army Corps, 

In Camp near Santiago, 

July 5, 1898. 
Adjutant General, 
Washington : 
Impossible to get returns, but there have been treated 
in the hospital at Siboney, 1,052 wounded and there are 
still 200 in the hospital here. In Lawton's Division 
there are killed 4 officers and 74 men ; wounded, 14 
officers and 317 men; missing, 1 man. In Kent's 
Division : killed, 12 officers and 87 men ; wounded, 36 
officers, 562 men ; missing, 62 men. In Bates' Brigade : 
killed, 4 men ; wounded, 2 officers and 26 men ; miss- 
ing, ( ?) men. Signal Corps : killed, 1 man. General 
Wheeler's report not yet received. 

Shafter, 

Major General. 



Headquarters 5th Army Corps, 

July 5, 1898. 
Maj. General Wheeler: 

General Randolph with 3,000 men and six batteries 
of Artillery cnrouted here. Make it known along the 

line. 

Shafter. 



CHAPTER VIII 

reinforcements reported from key west, new 

york, and charleston a siege preferred to 

another assault exchange of hobson effected 

no fighting on the 7th and 8th the line 

swung forward and strengthened 

Headquarters 5th Army Corps, 

July 5, 1898. 

General Wheeler : Please communicate the fol- 
lowing dispatches, just received, along the whole line : 

Washington, D.C., July 5, 1898. 
General Shafter, Siboney : Reinforcements are 
being hurried to you. Randolph leaves Key West to- 
night with fast convoy ; he has about 3500 men, includ- 
ing the six light batteries from Tampa. The St. Paul 
will leave New York Wednesday evening with the 8th 
Ohio Volunteers. The Yale and Harvard will take all 
the troops they can carry, sailing from Charleston ; the 
day and hour of their departure will be communicated 
to you as soon as known, probably the 6th. 

By command of Major General Miles, 

H. C. CORBIN, 

Adjutant General. 



308 THE SANTIAGO CAMPAIGN 

Headquarters 5th Army Corps, 

July 5, 1898. 
Commanding General Cavalry Division : 

The Commanding General directs me to say great 
care must be exercised in arresting men claiming to be 
Cubans, and that nothing will be done to them until 
their identity is thoroughly established. Several 
Cubans have been arrested and mistaken for guer- 
rillas. Please give the necessary orders to prevent 
these occurrences in your command. 
Very respectfully, 

E. J. McClernand, 
Assistant Adjutant General. 



Headquarters 5th Army Corps, 
Camp near San Juan River, Cuba, July 6, 1898. 

General Wheeler, 

Commanding Cavalry Division: 
Sir : Referring to your letter of this date about the 
general order complimenting the troops, the Command- 
ing General directs me to say he is aware many officers 
who performed gallant deeds have not been mentioned, 
but it is his intention to do so to the proper authori- 
ties, as soon as possible. 

Your request about blindfolding the prisoners going 
to the front will receive attention. We are waiting 
for an additional Spanish Officer (prisoner) to come 
from Siboney. 

Very respectfully, 

E. J. McClernand, 
Assistant Adjutant General. 



TRANSPORTS SAIL WITH WOUNDED 309 

Headquarters Cavalry Division, 

July 6, 1898. 

General Shafter : A battery has been reported as 
being constructed on the ridge near the bay, near the 
place where the battery was located that bothered us on 
the 1st day. I should like to have an Artillery Officer 
come out and examine it. 

Very respectfully, 

Jos. Wheeler, 

Maj. Gen. Vols. 



Headquarters 5th Army Corps, 

July 6, 1898. 

General Wheeler : There is no Artillery Officer 
available just now. Artillery is being put in posi- 
tion that will cover the whole line. Call on Derby 
when you see him. 

Respectfully, 

Wm. R. Shafter. 



Headquarters 5th Army CoRps, 
In Camp near Santiago, July 5, 1898. 

Adjutant General, 

Washington : 
The Iroquois sailed two days ago with 300 wounded. 
Cherokee sails to-day with 325 wounded. 

Shafter, 
Major General Commanding. 



310 THE SANTIAGO CAMPAIGN 

Headquarters 5th Army Corps, 
In Camp near Santiago, July 5, 1898. 

Adjutant General, 
Washington : 
Iroquois already sailed for Key West. If Cherokee 
has not sailed will have her go to Fort Monroe. Here- 
after all wounded will be sent to Fort Monroe. 

Shafter, 

Commanding . 

Headquarters 5th Army Corps, 

July 6, 1898. 

My Dear Gen. Wheeler : Yours in reference to 
armament received. I dislike very much the thought 
of working another assault, it would be attended with 
fearful loss of life. I have hoped to so entrench ourselves 
that we could hold the position and starve them out. 
If it was possible to get between the town and the 
lower bay and try and clear those batteries out and let 
the Navy in the capture of the city would be easy ; but 
I am at a loss how to accomplish it. 

At present the only thing seems to be to hang on. I 
have told Kent to look out for the gun on his left 
which you report they are trying to get out. 
Very truly yours, 

Wm. R. Shafter. 



Headquarters 5th Army Corps, 
Camp near San Juan River, Cuba, July 6, 1898. 
Commanding General Cavalry Division : 

Sir : The Commanding General directs you will 
cause to be detailed, immediately, in each brigade of 
your command, an Acting Engineer Officer, who will 



THE PRISONERS EOR EXCHANGE 311 

report to Lieut. Col. Derby, Chief Engineer, for in- 
structions, without delay. 

Very respectfully, 

E. J. McClernand, 

A.A.G. 



Headquarters 5th Army Corps, 

July 6, 1898. 

To General Wheeler : Send flag General Toral 
and inform him that 2nd Lieut. C. T. Emilia Vallez, 
29th Regiment and 7 men have arrived at my Head- 
quarters for exchange for Lieut. Hobson and men. 
Through an error, 2d Lt. Constanzio Germain, of the 
29th Regiment, and 1st Lt. Adolfo Ariaz, of the Pro- 
visional Battalion of Porto Rico, were not sent, but 
within the next four hours they will be here, so that 
General Toral can make his selection of Officers. 

Wm. R. Shafter. 



Headquarters Cavalry Division, 

San Juan, Cuba, July 6, 1898. 

To His Excellency Lt. General Toral, 

Commanding Spanish Forces, Santiago, Cuba : 
General : I am directed by the Commanding Gen- 
eral, U.S. Forces, to inform you that 2nd Lieutenant 
C. F. Emilio Valez, 29th Regiment, and seven men 
have arrived at my Headquarters for exchange for 
Lieut. Hobson and men. Through an error 2nd Lieu- 
tenant Constanzio Germain, 29th Regiment, and 1st 
Lieut. Adolfo Arioz, Provisional Battalion, of Porto 
Rico were not sent. The Commanding General, how- 



312 THE SANTIAGO CAMPAIGN 

ever, states that within the next four hours these officers 
will be here, so that you can make your selection of 
Officers for exchange. Lieut. Hobson should be sent 
on the San Juan road. Your Officers will be sent on 
this road. 

With great respect, 

Joseph Wheeler, 
Major General, Commdg Advance Line. 



Headquarters Cavalry Division, 
Near Santiago de Cuba, July 6, 1898. 

To His Excellency Lieutenant General Toral, 

Commanding Spanish Forces at Santiago de Cuba : 
Sir : There has been delay in getting the Spanish 
prisoners up to this point. They are now en route and 
we will follow them on immediately to effect their ex- 
change for Lieutenant Hobson and his seven sailors. 
With respect, 

Joseph Wheeler, 
Major General Commanding Advance Line. 



Headquarters 5th Army Corps, 

July 6, 1898. 

Colonel McClernand : Will get you ammunition at 
once. Send this to the front. 

Wm. R. Shafter. 



STATIONERY AND SAND-BAGS WANTED 313 

Headquarters Cavalry Division, 

July 6, 1898. 
General Shafter, 

Commanding US. Forces in Cuba: 
Sir : We are short of rations. Please hurry them up 

and also please send us some stationery. 

Col. Derby promised us sand bags. They have not 

come : we need them very much. 

Very respectfully, 

Jos. Wheeler, 

Maj. Gen. Vols. 



Headquarters 5th Army Corps, 

July 6, 1898. 
General Wheeler : I send half of the stationery 
we have in camp. I hope to get some more to-day. 
Rations and sand bags will be sent to the front as soon 
as possible. 

Very respectfully, 

E. J. McClernand, A.A.G. 



[Circular.] 

Headquarters Cavalry Division, 
Before Santiago, Cuba, July 6, 1898. 
Owing to the irregular shape of our line, particularly 
the forward bend on the extreme risdit, there is danger 
of men at one point firing by mistake at our own men. 
To designate our lines, each regiment will place its 
national colors on its own works. 

By command of Major General Wheeler, 
J. H. Dorst, 
Lieut. Col. U.S. Vols., 

Assistant Adjutant General. 



314 THE SANTIAGO CAMPAIGN 

[Circular.] 

Headquarters Cavalry Division, 

July 6, 1898. 
The exchange of prisoners will be over in an hour, 
and we may expect an attack at any moment. 
Have your men prepared for it. 

By command of Major General Wheeler, 
J. H. Dorst, 

Assistant Adjutant General. 



[Circular.] 

Headquarters Cavalry Division, 
Before Santiago, Cuba, July 6, 1898. 

The Major General Commanding directs me to 
inform you that the truce will cease at 5 o'clock p.m. 
this date. 

By command of Major General Wheeler, 
J. H. Dorst, 

Lieut. Col. U.S. Vols. 

Assistant Adjutant General. 



Headquarters 5ra Army Corps, 

Camp near Santiago, July 7. 

Hon. R. A. Alger, 

Secretary of War: 
Perfect quiet to-day. At request of Spanish general, 
employes of the English Cable Company were sent in 
to him to telegraph his government as to surrendering. 
Men are in good spirits and are making themselves 
more secure every hour. Wounds are much less dan- 
gerous than similar ones made of caliber 45. Among 
the large number of wounded there are few amputations. 



THE GENERAL HEALTH 315 

Perhaps ten will cover it. General health of the com- 
mand is good. One hundred and fifty cases of fever, 
which runs its course in four or five days, but is not 
serious. I am feeling much better. 

Shafter, Major General. 



Headquarters 5th Army Corps, 

July 7, 1898. 
Major General Wheeler, 

Commanding Cavalry Division : 
Sir : The Commanding General directs me to say he 
wishes you to forward at once the accompanying com- 
munication to the Spanish Commander, using the flag 
of truce. There is little probability of fighting to-day. 
Very respectfully, 

E. J. McClernand, A.A.G. 



Headquarters Cavalry Division, 

July 7, 1898. 
General Wheeler : Message received. Important 
communications have passed and others will probably 
follow. Little danger of any fighting to-day. 
By command of General Shafter, 

E. J. McClernand, A.A.G. 



Headquarters 5th Army Corps, 

July 7, 1898. 
Commanding General Cavalry Division : 

Sir : Commanding General directs that whenever an 
officer or enlisted man leaves your command to go to a 
hospital at the rear, his blanket, shelter tent, and 
haversack be sent with him. 

E. J. McClernand, A. A. G. 



316 THE SANTIAGO CAMPAIGN 

Headquarters Cavalry Division, 
Before Santiago, Cuba, July 8, 1898. 

To Major General Wm. R. Shafter, 
Commanding 5 th Army Corps: 
Dear General : I have nothing special to report 
except that everything is quiet. We are still strengthen- 
ing our position and advancing our lines in many places. 
I have most of my staff out reconnoitering and I think 
everything is perfectly satisfactory. Some of the regi- 
ments have more sickness, but, taking all in all, we are 
in pretty fair health. 

I sent in my report this morning. 
1 am trying digging wells for water and will report 
to you the result. 

With great respect, 

Your obedient servant, 

Jos. Wheeler, 
Major General U.S. Volunteers. 



Independent Brigade, in Front of Santiago, 

July 8, 1898. 

Major General Joseph Wheeler : 

My dear General : Your note just received. I 
have swung my line forward so that it is now along 
the bluff next to the city. Am holding the 9th Mass. 
to cover any turning movement the enemy might make 
around my left Hank. It was my intention, as soon as 
the truce was over, to feel out on the left to see if 
more advantageous positions could be secured. I 
should therefore be sorry to lose the 9th now. While 
I feel that I can make good use of them, the Regiment 



"THANKS OF THE NATION" 317 

will be returned to you at once if you say so. I wish 
to thank you for numerous courtesies. 
Most respectfully, 

J. C. Bates, 

Brig. Gen. Vols. 



Washington, D.C., July 8, 1898. 
General Shafter, 
Playa, Cuba : 
Telegram which it appears you did not receive read 
as follows : 

The President directs me to say you have the grati- 
tude and thanks of the Nation for the brilliant and 
effective work of your noble Army in the fight of July 
1st. The sturdy valor and heroism of officers and 
men fill the American people with pride. The country 
mourns the brave men who fell in battle. They have 
added new names to our roll of heroes. 

R. A. Alger, Secretary of War. 



CHAPTER IX 

GENERAL TORAL'S DEFINITION OF M ARMS " THE TRUCE 

CONTINUES PENDING RESPONSE FROM WASHINGTON 

UNCONDITIONAL SURRENDER DEMANDED AND DE- 
CLINED THE LINES EXTENDED, AND NAVY OPENS 

FIRE ORDER TO STOP ALL FORWARD MOVEMENTS 

ON ADVANCE LINES 



Army of the Island of Cuba, 4th Army Corps, 
Santiago de Cuba, July 9, 1898. 

To His Excellency, 

Commander-in-Chief of the United States Forces, 
In camp at San Juan : 

Your Excellency : In acknowledging to your 
Excellency the receipt of your communication of this 
day, stating that you had notified Washington of my 
proposition of evacuation of the territory of Division of 
Santiago de Cuba, I have the honor to inform your 
Excellency that I repeat the orders for my troops to 
preserve the same attitude as the American troops. 

By "arms" is to be understood portable weapons, 
that is, those that soldiers carry and the field artillery 
that is transported on mule back ; there being excluded 
field guns and fixed siege and coast defence guns, which 
cannot be considered as forming an integral part of the 



SPANISH PROPOSAL TO MARCH OUT 319 

units of the army. I make this explanation in reply 
to your note, and beg your Excellency to consider me 
Your obedient servant, 

Jose Toral. 
Commander-in-Chief of the 4th Corps of the Army of 
the Island of Cuba. 

To His Excellency 

The Commander-in-Chief of the U.S. Forces, 
In camp at San Juan River. 



[Telephone message.] 

Headquarters 5th Army Corps, 

July 9, 1898. 
To General Wheeler, 
Commanding : 
The Spanish Commander submits proposition to 
march out of Santiago, abandoning all this territory 
and not to be molested by our forces until he reaches 
Holguin. Have submitted the matter to Washington. 
Meanwhile the truce will continue. 

J. D. Miley, Aid. 



Headquarters 5th Army Corps, 

July 9, 1898. 
General Wheeler: 

The Commanding General directs me to say that the 
Spanish Authorities claim our troops with some civil- 
ians with them are taking advantage of the truce to pass 
to the front of our line. He wishes you to give strin- 
gent orders in your Division that no one shall pass from 
the rear to the front of our line and to immediately in- 
form other Division Commanders and General Bates in 

his name to the same effect. 

McClernand, A.A.G. 



320 THE SANTIAGO CAMPAIGN 

Headquarters Cavalry Division, 

Before Santiago, Cuba, July 9, 1898. 

Special Order ) 
No. 22. £ 
Pursuant to instructions from the War Department, 
Captain William E. English, Assistant Quartermaster, 
U.S. Volunteers, is assigned to duty as Aide to the 
Major General Commanding, to date June 10, 1898, the 
day on which he reported for duty. 

By command of Major General Wheeler, 
J. H. Dorst, 

Lieut. Col U.S. Vols. 

Assistant Adjutant General. 



Headquarters Cavalry Division, 
In Front of Santiago, Cuba, July 9, 1898. 

To Hon. Secretary of War, 
Washington, D.C. : 
Sir : In my official report I have stated the gallant 
services of the Officers of my Staff. 

I especially request that the following Officers be 
given a brevet upon their rank in the regular army for 
their services during this campaign : 

Lieutenant Colonel J. H. Dorst. 
Major William D. Beach. 
Major E. A. Garlington. 
Captain Joseph E. Dickman. 
1st Lieutenant M. F. Steele. 
2nd Lieutenant James H. Reeves. 
2nd Lieutenant Joseph Wheeler, junior. 
Very respectfully, 

Joseph Wheeler, 
Major General Volunteers. 



PORTO RICO FOR OUR TROOPS ? 321 

Headquarters, Cavalry Division, 

Before Santiago, Cuba, July 9, 1898. 

Major General Wm. R. Shafter, 

Commanding 5th Army Corps: 

Dear General : Since I saw you this evening I 
have seen the New York " Times " of July 1st, which 
has what appears to be an authoritative statement that 
Major General Brooke is to take troops from Chick- 
amauga Park to Porto Rico and that our troops are to 
be left here. 

One of the reasons I gave in my letter to-day for 
closing the campaign here promptly was the importance 
of the troops being carried to Porto Rico, which I 
regard as a very important movement, and one that 
should be done quickly. 

Now if it is the intention of the Government to carry 
other troops to Porto Rico and leave us here, this 
reason for prompt action would cease to exist and it is 
possible that the Government would think we should 
occupy ourselves against the Spanish troops until they 
were captured. 

I simply suggest this as I know you desire to carry 
out the wishes of the Government and I have a special 
desire to help you in doing so. 
With regards, 

Truly your friend, 

Jos. Wheeler, 

Major General Vols. 



322 THE SANTIAGO CAMPAIGN 

[By telephone.] 

Headquarters Cavalry Division, 
Before Santiago de Cdba, July 9, 1898, 8.35 p.m. 

To Major General Wm. R. Shafter, 
Comdg 5th Army Corps: 
There is a movement among the Spaniards to-night. 
It looks as though they were preparing to get away. 
Of course I cannot be certain about this. 

Jos. Wheeler, 

Maj.-Genl Vols. 



Headquarters 5th Army Corps, 
Camp near Santiago, July 10, 9.10 p.m. 

General Wheeler : Information about suspicious 
movement of the enemy received. Have notified Law- 
ton and direct him to notify General Garcia. 
By command of General Shafter, 

McClernand, 

A.A.G. 



Headquarters Cavalry Division, 

Before Santiago de Cuba, 
July 10, 1898, 10 minutes past midnight. 

Major General Wm. R. Shafter, 

Commanding 5th Army Corps: 

Sir : The enclosed letter has just been brought into 

our lines from the Spanish. The man who brought it, 

who has been halted at our outpost, said he would wait 

for an answer. 

Very respectfully, 

Jos. Wheeler, 

Maj.-Genl Vols. 



NEW MAJOR-GENERALS AND BRIGADIERS 323 

Headquarters 5th Army Corps, 

July 10, 1898. 
Maj. Genl Jos. Wheeler : 

Dear Genl : The following promoted to Maj. Genls : 
Lawton, Chaffee, Hawkins, Bates, Kent, Young; to be 
Brig. Genls: Col. Wood, Lt. Col. McKibbin, Carroll. 

J. C. GlLMORE. 



Headquarters 5th Army Corps, 

July 10, 1898. 
Major General Wheeler, 

Commanding Cavalry Division: 
The Commanding General directs you find 25 or 30 
teamsters in your command and send them here at 
once ; they are absolutely necessary to keep wagons 
going. 

McClernand, 

A.G. 



Headquarters 5th Army Corps, 
Camp near Santiago, Cuba, July 10, 1898. 

Commanding General Cavalry Division : 

Sir : The Commanding General directs me to say a 
demand has been made this momma: for the uncondi- 
tional surrender of Santiago, with notification that 
unless favorable reply is received by 3 p.m., hostilities 
will be resumed at 4 p.m. In resuming hostilities, it is 
the intention of the General Commandina: to drive the 
enemy out of his works and into the town by means of 
artillery and rifle fire. To do this the volume of fire is 
of importance, but its accuracy is of the utmost im- 
portance. The greatest care, therefore, should be 
exercised to direct your fire wherever men can be seen, 



32-i THE SANTIAGO CAMPAIGN 

tiring deliberately and taking good aim and keeping 
your own men well covered. An advance upon the 
City is not expected to be made until after the bom- 
bardment and until ordered. A shot from the battery 
with General Lawton's Division will be the signal to 
authorize firing to be commenced. 
Very respectfully, 

E. J. McClernand, 
Assistant Adjutant General. 



Headquarters 5th Army Corps, 

July 10, 1898, 3.45 p.m. 

All Division Commanders : The Spanish Com- 
mander having declined to surrender, the cessation of 
hostilities will be regarded as no longer existing after 
4 p.m., but there will be no firing until a shot fired 
from a battery on Gen. Lawton's front. 

By command of Gen. Shafter, 
McClernand, 

A.A.G. 



Headquarters 5th Army Corps, 

July 10, 1898, 12.20 p.m. 

To Major General Wheeler : The Commanding 
General wishes that you would please send in to these 
Headquarters immediately the Spanish prisoners you 
captured this morning. 

J. C. Gilmore, 

A.A.G. 



"SPANISH REVEILLE AS USUAL" 325 

Headquarters 5th Army Corps, 
Before Santiago de Cuba, July 10, 1898. 

To Commanding General, 1st & 2d Brigades : 

Sir : The Commanding General directs that all Offi- 
cers and men of your Brigade be prohibited from going 
to the town of Caney or thereabouts or from holding 
any communication with refugees in that vicinity. This 
precaution is taken with a view to guarding against in- 
fectious and contagious diseases. 

Your obedient servant, 

M. F. Steele, 

Aid. 

Headquarters Cavalrt Division, 

Before Santiago, July 11, 1898. 

Commanding General 1st and 2nd Cavalry Brigades : 
The Commanding General desires you to inform him 
immediately of the position at your front this morning. 
Everything appears quiet. 

Jos. Wheeler, jr., 

Aid. 



[By telephone.] 

Headquarters Cavalry Division, 

July 11, 1898, 6 a.m. 

Major General Wm. R. Sh after, 
Commanding 5th Army Corps: 
The Spanish lines seem to be very thinly manned ; 
but they had reveille this morning as usual. 

Jos. Wheeler, 

Maj. Gen. Vols. 



326 THE SANTIAGO CAMPAIGN 

Headquarters Cavalry Division, 
Before Santiago, Cuba, July 11, 1898. 

General Wm. R. Shafter, 

Commanding 5th Army Corps: 
Dear General : When I received an intimation 
yesterday that you desired my lines spread out to the 
right, I went up and examined the line and arranged to 
have it done the moment I received your order. This 
morning when I received the order I went in person to 
the extreme right of the line, and also over to the line 
occupied by General Chaffee, taking General Sumner 
and General Wood with me, and personally made the 
arrangements for extending the line which was done 
with all the promptitude possible. 
Respectfully, 

Jos. Wheeler, 
Maj. Gen. Vols. Commdg. 



Headquarters Cavalry Division, 

July 11, 1898. 

Major General Wm. R. Sh after : 

Sir : Your telegram message received. I have just 
returned from the front, where I have been all morn- 
ins:. Together with General Sumner and General 
Wood I examined the lines and arranged to communi- 
cate with General Lawton's left, as directed. The 
movement will be made with all celerity possible. 
Very respectfully, 

Jos. Wheeler, 

Maj. Gen. Vols. 



NAVY SHOTS WELL PLACED 327 

Headquarters 5th Army Corps, 

July 11, 1898. 

To General Wheeler : Navy will begin firing 
slowly soon. Have an officer on the picket line to note 
fall of each shot, and report it to me at once. 

Sh after, 

Maj. Gen. 



Headquarters 1st Division, oth Army Corps, 

July 11, 1898. 

Dear General Wheeler : I judge the navy shots 
to be well placed by smoke of bursting shells. I think 
you can assure Gen. Shafter more certainly of effect if 
you could send mounted man to right, where city is in 
view. I see here only suburbs. 

Kent. 



Headquarters 5th Army Corps, 

July 11, 1898. 

To General Wheeler : The Commanding General 
wishes to know if the Spaniards are making any return 
fire either with artillery or small arms. 

McClermand, 

A. AM. 



Headquarters 1st Division, 5th Army Corps, 

July 11, 1898, 10.40 a.m. 

General Wheeler : None since navy opened from 
artillery, but few shots from small arms. I judge they 



are saving themselves for an attack. 



Kent. 



32S THE SANTIAGO CAMPAIGN 

Headquarters 5th Army Corps, July 11, 1898. 
General Wheeler, 

Commanding Cavalry Division: 
It is reported General Chaffee is ready to move to 
extreme right. Please arrange at once to connect with 
Gen. Lawton's left as directed this morning. 
By command of General Shafter, 

McClernand, A.A.G. 



Headquarters Cavalry Division, 

Before Santiago, July 11, 1898. 
Maj. Gen. Wm. R. Shafter, 

Commndg U.S. Forces: 
Everything seems quiet. I am investigating and 
will telephone you shortly. 

JOS. WnEELER, 

Maj. Gen. Vols., Commndg. 



[Telephone message.] 

Headquarters Cavalry Division, 

July 12, 1898. 
General H. W. Lawton : General Shafter directs 
me to say that he does not wish you to extend your 
lines any further. 

Joseph Wheeler, 
Maj. Gen. Vols., Commndg. 



Headquarters 5th Army CoRrs, 

July 12, 1898. 
To Generals Wheeler and Kent : General Shafter 
desires that you stop all movements of your troops in 
the direction of the City of Santiago. 

J. D. Miley, Aid. 




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CHAPTER X 

" ROUGH RIDERS " FOR THE PACK-TRAINS THE ARCH- 
BISHOP, PRIESTS, AND NUNS OF SANTIAGO THE 

TRUCE EXTENDED TILL NOON, JULY FOURTEENTH 

MEMORANDUM OF CONFERENCE BETWEEN GENERALS 
SHAFTER AND TORAL GENERAL MILES AUTHORIZES 

appointment of commissioners the question 

of submitting terms to madrid 

Headquarters 5th Army Corps, 

July 12, 1898. 
To General Wheeler : The Commanding Gen- 
eral directs me to inform you that he has two pack 
trains which are practically useless on account of sick- 
ness. He says he desires you to call for two squads 
of 12 men each from the Eough Riders. Send men 
who have had some experience in packing, if possible, 
for temporary duty with these trains. Have them 
report here as soon as possible. 

Gilmore, 

A.A.G. 



Headquarters Cavalry Division, 

July 12, 1898. 
My dear General Wheeler : All right. Will send 
the 24 men, but this most seriously depletes my already 
thin line ; I have but 340 officers and men fit for duty 



330 THE SANTIAGO CAMPAIGN 

all told ; I should have some relief for the men in the 
trenches against a possible attack. 

Yours respectfully, 

Theodore Roosevelt. 



Headquarters Cavalry Division, 
Before Santiago, Cdba, July 12, 1898. 

Major General William R. Shafter, 

Commanding United States Forces: 
Sir : The Archbishop of Santiago met the Officer 
who went out with the flag of truce to receive the last 
message, and said he had come out to speak to this Offi- 
cer without consulting the Commander-in-Chief of the 
town. He wishes to get permission for himself and all 
his priests — about 30 in number — and for the nuns 
— some 28 in all — to leave the city and come within 
our lines before the bombardment recommences. He 
said that he made this request without letting the Mili- 
tary Authorities know that he was going to make it. 
He would like to get the answer in duplicate in two 
envelopes left unsealed, one addressed to him and one 
addressed to the Commander-in-Chief, so that there will 
be no delay in the permission getting to him. He 
stated that about a dozen houses were blown down b}' 
the shells yesterday but no one was killed. 
Respectfully, 

Joseph Wheeler, 
Maj. Gen. U.S. Vols., Commndg. 



WHITE FLAG MESSAGES BOTH WAYS 331 

Headquarters 5th Army Corps, 

July 12, 1898. 

To General Wheeler : General Shaft er inquires if 
Capt. McKittrick has started back to Headquarters ; he 
also wishes nie to say that two letters have just started 
to you and that they must go in by flag to-night. 

J. D. Miley, Aid. 



Headquarters 5th Army Corps, 

July 14, 1898. 
Major General Wheeler : 

Sir : The Commanding General desires you to send 
the two accompanying letters through to the Spaniards, 
under a flag of truce, as quickly as possible. 
Very respectfully, 

E. J. McClernand, A.A.G. 



Headquarters 5th Army Corps, 

July 12, 1898. 

To General Wheeler : I wish to know if two 
flags of truce have been received from the Spanish this 
afternoon and what disposition was made of them. 

Sh after, Maj. Gen. Commndg* 



[Telephone message.] 
Headquarters Cavalry Division, 

July 13, 1898. 

To General Wm. R. Shafter : The enemy is send- 
ing in another white flag. I will send the message by 
mounted courier as soon as received. 

Joseph Wheeler, 
Major General Volunteers. 



332 THE SANTIAGO CAMPAIGN 

[By telephone.] 

Headquarters Cavalrt Division, 

July 13, 1898. 
To Major General Wm. K. Shafter, 
Commanding U.S. Forces: 
There is a quantity of lumber on the " Alleghany " 
which I had placed on board at Tampa. I respectfully 
suggest that you give orders for it to be disembarked, 
as it would be useful for the erection of hospitals, 
shelters, etc. 

Joseph Wheeler, 
Major General Vols., Commdg. 



Headquarters 5th Army Corps, 

July 13, 1898. 

Maj. Gen. Wheeler : Genl. Lawton reports the 
enemy is entrenching and throwing up entanglements 
in his front. The Commanding Genl. directs you to 
send a message to the Spanish commander that he asks 
this work stopped. By command Genl Shafter, 

McClernand, 

A.A.G. 



Headquarters Cavalry Division, 
Before Santiago de Cuba, July 13, 1898. 

To His Excellency Major General Toral, 

Commanding Spanish Forces, Santiago de Cuba : 
Sir : Major General Lawton reports that your troops 

are entrenching and throwing up entanglements in his 

front. 

The Commanding General directs me to write you 

and ask that this work be stopped. We regard it as a 



TORAL STOPS THE WORK ON TRENCHES 333 

violation of the truce. We are certain that this work 
is being done without your knowledge. 
With very great respect, 

Your obedient servant, 
Joseph Wheeler, 
Major General Commanding Cavalry Division and 
Advance Lines. 



Army of the Island op Cuba, 4th Army Corps, 

Santiago de Cuba, July 13, 1898. 

To His Excellency 

The General Commanding the Cavalry Division 
of the American Army : 
Your Excellency : In reply to your favor of this 
date I have the honor to inform you that I order the 
suspension of the works of intrenchnients to which your 
Excellency refers and of which I have no knowledge, 
begging you on your part to take similar action. 

The only thing I have knowledge of is that the rains 
have washed down some trenches, and perhaps the sedi- 
ment may have made your officers believe that a new 
kind of work was being constructed on the first line, 
which I did not order. 

I remain, Your Excellency's 

Most obedient servant, 

Jose Toral, 
Commander-in-Chief of the 4th Army Corps. 



334 THE SANTIAGO CAMPAIGN 

[By telephone.] 
Headquarters Cavalry Division, 

July 14, 1898. 
To Major-General Wm. R. Shafter : 

Everything is quiet. General Toral states that what 
we thought was working on trenches was simply baling 
out water as they had become inundated. He asks that 
we abstain from working on our trenches. 

Joseph Wheeler, 

Major-General Vols., Commdg. 



Headquarters Cavalry Division, 
Before Santiago, Cuba, July 13, 1898. 

Commanding General Cavalry Brigade : 

The truce will continue until twelve o'clock noon to- 
morrow the 14th instant. 

General Shafter directs that not a shot be fired until 
this time and not then until ordered. 

By command Major General Wheeler, 
J. H. Dorst, 
Lieut. Col. U.S. Vols., 

Assistant Adjutant Gen. 



Headquarters, U.S. Army, 
Before Santiago, Cuba, July 14, 1898. 

General Wm. R. Shafter, 

Commanding 5lh Army Corps: 

Sir : The Cavalry Division are separated from their 

horses and have been doing most extraordinary service. 

If it is possible I desire to have them separated from 

the rest of the Command, so they can be put on board 



PROSPECTS OF CAPITULATION 335 

ship and sent to other fields, as I desire to have them 
remounted as soon as possible. 

Veiy respectfully, 

Nelson A. Miles, 
Major General Commdg U.S. Army. 



Headquarters 5th Army Corps, 

July 14, 1898. 
General Wheeler : 

Am not particular as to minor details, but General 
Toral must withdraw from his fortification and trenches 
and the taking up of torpedoes must begin at once, so as 
to clear the way for our ships. The navy will probably 
assist in the moving of obstructions to-morrow. 

SH AFTER, 

Maj. Gen. Commndg. 



NOTES OF CONFERENCE OF GENERALS MILES, SHAFTER, 
AND WHEELER, WITH GENERAL JOSE TORAL, COM- 
MANDING SPANISH FORCES, JULY 14, 1898. 

[Taken by Mr. Aurelius E. Mestre, of General Wheeler's staff. ~\ 

General Toral said he was authorized by the Captain- 
General of Havana to treat with us on the basis of 
capitulation and " repatriacion," — that is, sending home 
of the troops to Spain ; but the agreement reached is to 
be accepted by the home Government. He thinks this 
will surely be confirmed, as otherwise the Captain- 
General would not' have authorized it. He wishes to 
begin treating at once, so as to gain time. Being 



336 THE SANTIAGO CAMPAIGN 

Commander-in-Chief of numerous forces, he would like 
to have the whole of the Division under his command 
included in the capitulation. These troops are in 
Guantanamo, BaraQoa, Sagua de Tanamo, along the 
railway and at different points, and should be embarked 
from the nearest port to the place where they are. He 
agreed with General Shatter that there should be a 
total cessation of hostilities in Santiago and in the 
other places as soon as information can be brought out 
to them. All the forces in General Toral's Division 
are embraced in this capitulation, as above stated ; that 
is, the forces of his own command, but not those of 
General Linares' command which are by accident now 
under his orders. The dividing line o-oes from Aser- 
radero through Palma to Sagua de Tanamo and all the 
territory lying East of this is comprised. General 
Toral said that the "City of Texas " could not enter the 
harbor of Santiago, but that he would study the matter 
with the Technical Commission. He agreed to let the 
people of Caney return to Santiago and be provisioned 
by us. He also agreed to let the Juragua railroad be 
used by us to bring in food, if assured that it would 
only be used for that purpose. This assurance was 
given him. The "Texas" would come under the rules 
of the Geneva Society for the gratuitous distribution of 
food and hospital supplies, whereas the railroad would 
be for rationing the American and Spanish troops and 
the people in Santiago. General Shatter offered to 
post troops around the city to prevent the entrance of 
American or Cuban troops. 




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AMERICAN COMMISSIONERS INSTRUCTED 337 

Headquarters 5th Army Corps, 

July 14, 1898. 
Generals Wheeler and Kent : 

Apparently there is every prospect of a capitulation. 
I will inform you at the earliest practicable moment. 

Shafter, Maj. Gen. 



General Wheeler's Camp, 
Before Santiago, Cuba, July 14, 1898. 

To Major General William R. Shafter, 
Commanding U. S. Forces: 

Sir : You are authorized to appoint Commissioners 
to draw up Articles of Capitulation on the terms upon 
w T hich the Spanish Division have been surrendered, 
namely the return of the Spanish troops to Spain at 
the expense of the United States. The Spanish troops 
will be supplied at the expense of the United States and 
assembled at such a place as may be available for their 
embarkation on the arrival of the necessary transporta- 
tion. 

The attention of the Commissioners should be called 
to the importance of the return of the people that have 
fled from the City of Santiago and the supplying them 
with food. 

2. The sending of supplies into the Harbor on the 
Red Cross ship and other vessels. 

3. The removal of all obstructions to the entrance 
of the Harbor or notification to the fleet that no obstacle 
will be placed in the way of their removing such ob- 
structions. 

Respectfully, 

Nelson A. Miles, 

Major General Commanding the Army. 



338 THE SANTIAGO CAMPAIGN 

Headquarters 5th Army Corps, 
Before Santiago de Cuba, July 16, 1898. 

To His Excellency General Jose Toral, 

Commanding Spanish Forces: 

Dear Sir: Your Excellency's suggestion that the 
Representatives be here at 4 o'clock to arrange for the 
final act of capitulation is received and we will wait 
until that time. 

The troops I referred to requesting you to withdraw 
are those at Aguadores, those along the railroad to the 
City and those on the bluff in a Southeasterly direction 
from the City. 

Respectfully, 

Wm. R. Shafter, 
Major General Commanding U.S. Forces. 



Headquarters 5th Army Corps, 

July 15, 1898. 

General Wheeler: What is the prospect? That 
surrender yesterday was as positive as it possibly could 
be made and commissioners were appointed to arrange 
details. They cannot go back on it now. 

Shafter, 

Maj. Gen. 

Headquarters 5th Army Corps, 

July 15, 1898. 

Gen. Wheeler : It is impossible to submit terms 

of surrender to Madrid. Surrender was, as you know, 

made yesterday. 

Shafter, 

Maj. Genl. 



"THE BEST POSSIBLE" TERMS OBTAINED 339 

[By telephone.] 

Headquarters Cavalry Division, 
Before Santiago, Cuba, 

July 15, 1898, 3.40 p.m. 

To General Wm. E. Shafter, 

Commanding U.S. Forces: 
I received your despatch and am certain that when 
you know all the facts you will concur that we did the 
very best possible. To have an agreement which we 
had drawn up by authority of Generals Blanco and 
Toral is as complete as surrender can be without being 
an absolute surrender, and Mr. Mason and General 
Toral assured us that there could be no doubt about 
the Madrid Government consenting to it. I know you 
will appreciate that we used our best efforts to comply 
as near as possible with your wishes. 

Jos. Wheeler, 
Maj. Gen. Vols., Commdg. 



CHAPTEK XI 

ANNOUNCING THE CAPITULATION PRECAUTIONS 

AGAINST FEVER REFUGEES ONLY TO PASS THE 

LINES ARRANGEMENTS FOR FORMAL ACT OF SUR- 
RENDER FINDING GOOD WATER AND LOCATING 

CAMPS AMENITIES BETWEEN SPANISH AND AMERICAN 

HEADQUARTERS 

General Wheeler's Camp, 
Before Santiago, Cuba, July 14, 1898. 

To Honorable Secretary of War, 
Washington, D.C. : 

General Toral formally surrendered the troops of his 
Army Corps and Division of Santiago on the terms and 
understanding that his troops would be returned to 
Spain. 

General Shafter will appoint Commissioners to draw 
up conditions of arrangement for carrying out the 
terms of surrender. This is very gratifying, and 
General Shafter and the Officers and men of this 
Command are entitled to great credit for their tenacity, 
fortitude, and the almost insurmountable obstacles 
which have been overcome. A portion of the Army 
has been infected with yellow fever, and efforts will be 
made to separate those who are infected and those free 
from it and keep those that are still on board ship 



GENERAL MILES ON SANITARY CONDITIONS 341 

separated from those on shore. Arrangements will be 
immediately made for carrying out the further instruc- 
tions of the President and yourself. 

Nelson A. Miles, 
Maj.-Gen. Gommndg the Army. 



General Wheeler's Camp, 
Before Santiago, Cuba, July 14, 1898. 

To Major General Wm. R. Shafter, 
Commanding U.S. Forces: 

Sir : The Spanish Army having surrendered, the 
terms of capitulation will be carried into effect with as 
little delay as practicable on the understanding that 
their troops will be returned to Spain at the expense 
of the United States. 

You will, with as little delay practicable place such 
troops as are not infected with yellow fever in separate 
camps and as soon as practicable report the number 
that will be available for service with another expedi- 
tion. Those organizations which have been infected 
with yellow fever, every effort will be made to improve 
their sanitary condition and to check the spread of the 
disease by placing them in as healthy camps as pos- 
sible. 

Respectfully, 

Nelson A. Miles, 
Major General Commanding the Army. 



342 THE SANTIAGO CAMPAIGN 

General Wheeler's Camp, 
Before Santiago, Cuba, July 14, 1898. 

To Honorable Secretary of War, 
Washington, D.C. : 
Your second dispatch received. Have already anti- 
cipated in part by giving directions for separating the 
troops that have been infected and have kept the 
troops that came on the " Yale," " Columbia," " Duch- 
ess," and part of those on the " Comanche " ready to 
disembark at Cabanas, on the West side, where I had 
made all arrangements for putting the troops in on that 
side of the Harbor and opening the entrance of the bay 
in conjunction with Admiral Sampson. I will now keep 
these troops away from the infected districts and will 
probably let them go ashore at Guantanamo. Other 
vessels en route will go into the Harbor at Guantanamo. 
Presume that will be a good rendezvous at least for the 
troops coming from Tampa. They could come in on 
the South side and go into a safe harbor there. Will 
consult with the Admiral with regard to rendezvous 
our troops at Porto Rico or one of the Islands immedi- 
ately adjacent thereto. Will keep you fully apprised 
of any important information. 

Nelson A. Miles, 
Major General Commanding the Army. 



General Wheeler's Headquartfrs, 

Before Santiago, Cuba, July 14, 1898. 

To Major General William R. Shafter, 

Commanding U.S. Forces: 
Sir : For a double reason I think it would be advis- 
able to isolate the troops that have just joined your 
Command in separate camps on healthful ground to 



EEFUGEES GOING BACK 343 

keep them free if possible from infection by yellow 
fever, and it will also form a strong force to meet 
any force that might by any possibility come from 
Holguin. 

Respectfully, 

Nelson A. Miles, 
Major General Commanding the Ar'my. 



Headquarters Cavalry Division, 

San Juan, July 15, 1898, 8 a.m. 

General Shafter : 

Sir : The French Consul has gone into Santiago from 
Caney. Shall other people be allowed to go in? 

Jos. Wheeler, 

Maj. Gen. Vols. 



[By telephone.] 
Headquarters Cavalry Division, 
Before Santiago, Cuba, 

July 15, 1898, 6.15 p.m. 

To Major General Wm. R. Shafter, 

Commanding U.S. Forces: 
There is a woman here who says she is the wife of a 
Spanish Major and another the wife of a Spanish Lieu- 
tenant, with their children and mother. They want to 
go through the lines to Santiago. 

Jos. Wheeler, 

Maj. Gen. Vols., Commdg. 



3:14 THE SANTIAGO CAMPAIGN 

[Telephone message.] 

Headquarters Cavalry Divsion, 

July 15, 1898, 7 p.m. 
To Major General Wm. R. Shafter, 
Commanding U.S. Forces: 
Mr. Ramsden, British Consul at Santiago, asks that 
Mr. Barrueco and family (three in number) from Caney 
be permitted to go into Santiago. He already has the 
permission of the Spanish General to cross their lines. 
Two carts have come out from Santiago to get their 
effects which he desires to cross and recross our lines. 

Jos. Wheeler, 
Maj. Gen. Vols. Commdg. 



Headquarters 5th Army Corps, 

July 16, 1898. 
To General Wheeler and General Kent : 

The Commanding General directs you strictly pro- 
hibit any of our troops, Cuban Forces or other persons 
other than those authorized refugees to pass beyond our 
trenches towards Santiago. 

McClernand. 



Headquarters Cavalry Drvisiox, 

Before Santiago, Cuba, July 16, 1898. 

General Leonard Wood, 

Commanding 2nd Cavalry Brigade: 
Sir : You will place an Officer of discretion and one 
who understands the Spanish language with a guard at 
both the points where the roads from Caney to San- 
tiago pass your line. The Officers will be instructed 
to permit the passage through the lines to Santiago of 



GENERAL OFFICERS TO ENTER THE CITY 345 

all refugees without arms, but they will be careful to 
permit no other persons to pass the line. 

Respectfully, 

Jos. Wheeler, 

Maj. Gen. U.S. Vols. Commndg. 



Headquarters 5th Army Corps, 
Before Santiago de Cuba, July 16, 1898. 
Commanding General Cavalry Division : 

Sir : The Commanding General directs you report 
with your staff at these headquarters at 8.45 a.m. to- 
morrow, to accompany him to receive the surrender of 
General Toral. 

Direct each General Officer in your division to report 
with his staff also. Have all your regiments drawn up 
on the lines from 9 to 9.30 a.m. At 11.45 all the 
troops will again be put in line, and at 12 o'clock pre- 
cisely a salute of 21 guns will be fired from Captain 
Capron's Battery which will indicate that the American 
flas; is beino; hoisted over the Governor's Palace. 
Bands will play the Star Spangled Banner and other 
national airs, and the men will cheer. 
Acknowledge receipt. 

Very respectfully, 

E. J. McClernand, 
Assistant Adjutant General. 



Before Santiago de Cuba, July 16. 

n^Q * * * 

My dear Sir : We have been very busy and have 
had some hard fighting and the men have suffered a 
great deal on account of their exposure, the intense 



346 THE SANTIAGO CAMPAIGN 

heat, and terrible rains ; and even when it does not rain 
the dew makes everything as wet as though it had been 
raining. 

Yesterday, after working for many Hours, including 
work in the open air, until half past twelve o'clock 
the night before, we succeeded in getting an agree- 
ment from the Spaniards. The agreement was made 
by order of General Blanco and General Toral, the 
Spanish Commander here, General Linares, having 
been badly wounded. The matter is, however, to be 
confirmed by the Madrid Government, and if they do 
not confirm it we will open on them terribly and they 
will be compelled to surrender soon. General Toral 
told me yesterday that he would not wish his worst 
enemy to be in his place ; he said his Generals and 
Colonels were all killed or wounded, and, pointing to 
Santiago, he said, " There are other secret things which 
I cannot tell, which makes things very bad." 

I was quite sick on June 30th but nothing was done 
that day ; my temperature was up to 103£ but it did 
not prevent me from doing full duty on July 1st, the 
day of the battle, and ever since that time. 

As they have burnt the Post Office at Siboney on ac- 
count of the yellow fever I understand that a good deal 
of the mail is lost. 

With high regards, truly your friend, 

Joseph Wheeler. 

P.S. — Since writing the above I have received the 
news that the preliminary agreement made with the 
Spaniards for the capitulation of Santiago has been 
confirmed by the Madrid Government. 




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CAMP FOR THE CAVALRY NEAR PIPE-LINE 347 

Headquarters Cavalry Division, 

Before Santiago, Cuba, July 17, 1898. 

To Major General Wm. R. Shafter, 

Commanding U.S. Forces: 

Sir : My son examined the spring which is built up, 

and found that the water was not depreciated by what 

was taken out. The Spanish soldiers are also getting 

water along the ravine leading from the road to the 

spring which he supposes is the same spring. My 

Aid, Lieutenant Wheeler, asked the Spanish soldiers 

regarding the quality of the water and they said it was 

very good. 

Respectfully, 

Jos. Wheeler, 
Maj. Gen. Vols. Commdg. 



Headquarters Cavalry Division, 
Before Santiago de Cuba, July 17, 1898 

To General Commanding Cavalry Brigade : 

Dear General : General Shafter desires that the 
Cavalry Division move to-morrow morning over on the 
right in a favorable location near where the pipe line is, 
so that the Division can get water from the pipe line. 
I am sending Major Beach and Captain Chanler over to 
select a place for my Headquarters, and I wish that you 
would have your camp selected this afternoon and the 
troops near by notified where you will locate, so that 
there will be no danger of their taking up your camps 
before you get there. It might be well for you to send 
an officer over to stay to-night with a few men, so as to 
notify any one that may come to get your camp that it 
has been selected for Brigade. It will be well for the 



348 THE SANTIAGO CAMPAIGN 

two Brigade Commanders to send their representatives 
together, so that there may be no conflict in selection. 

Respectfully your friend, 

Jos. Wheeler, 

Maj. Gen. U.S. Vols., Commanding. 



Headquarters U.S. Troops rx Cuba, 

Santiago de Cuba, July 19, 1898. 
General Orders, ) 
No. 26. 5 

The successful accomplishment of the campaign 
against Santiago, resulting in its downfall and the sur- 
render of the Spanish Forces, the capture of large 
amounts of military stores, together with the destruc- 
tion of the entire Spanish fleet in the harbor, which, 
upon the investment of the city, was forced to leave, 
is one of which this army can well be proud. 

This had been accomplished through the heroic deeds 
of the Army, and to its officers and men the Major 
General Commanding offers bis sincere thanks for their 
endurance of hardships heretofore unknown in the 
American Army. The work you have accomplished 
may well appeal to the pride of your countrymen, and 
has been rivalled upon but few occasions in the World's 
history. Landing upon an unknown coast, you found 
dangers in disembarking and overcame obstacles that 
even in looking back seem insurmountable. Seizing, 
with the assistance of the Navy, the towns of Daiquiri 
and Siboney,you pushed boldly forth, gallantly driving 
back the enemy's outposts in the engagement of Las 
Quasimas, and completed the concentration of the Army 
near Sevilla, within sight of the Spanish stronghold at 
Santiago de Cuba. 



CAMPAIGN REVIEWED IN GENERAL ORDERS 349 

The outlook from Sevilla was one that might well 
have appalled the stoutest heart ; behind you ran a 
narrow road, made well nigh impassable by rains, while 
to the front you looked out upon high foothills covered 
with a dense growth, which could only be traversed by 
bridle-paths, terminating within range of the enemy's 
guns. Nothing daunted, you responded eagerly to the 
order to close upon the foe and attacking at Caney and 
San Juan, drove him from work to work, until he took 
refuge within his last and strongest entrenchments 
immediately surrounding the city. 

Despite the fierce glare of a southern sun and rains 
that fell in torrents, you valiantly withstood his at- 
tempts to drive you from the position your valor had 
won. Holding in your vice-like grip the army opposed 
to you, after seventeen days of battle and siege, you 
were rewarded by the surrender of nearly 24,000 
prisoners — 12,000 being those in your immediate 
front, the others scattered in the various towns of 
eastern Cuba — freeing completely the eastern part of 
the Island from the Spanish troops. This was not done 
without great sacrificing. The death of 230 gallant 
soldiers, and the wounding of 1284 others, shows but 
too plainly the fierce contest in which you were 
engaged. The few reported missing are undoubtedly 
among the dead, as no prisoners were lost. For those 
who have fallen in battle with you, the Commanding 
General sorrows, and with you will ever cherish their 
memory. Their devotion to duty sets a high example 
of courage and patriotism to our fellow-countrymen. 

All who have participated in the campaign, battle 
and siege of Santiago de Cuba will recall with pride 
the grand deeds accomplished, and will hold one another 
dear for having shared great sufferings, hardships and 



350 THE SANTIAGO CAMPAIGN 

triumphs together. All may well feel proud to inscribe 
on their banners the name of " Santiago de Cuba." 
By command of Major General Shaffer, 
E. J. McClernand, 

Assistant Adjutant General. 



Santiago de Cuba, July 19, 1898. 

His Excellency General Wheeler : 

Commanding the Cavalry Division: 

Sir : General Escario has requested me to send you 
this letter in view of the readiness you showed during 
our conferences about the capitulation to permit that 
the families and baggage of the officers of his column, 
now in Manzanillo, might be brought to this city so as 
to share the same fate as the garrison. 

As the matter is really of importance, if you con- 
sider the unprotected condition in which these families 
may remain and the lack of baggage on the part of the 
Officers referred to, who to-day scarcely have uniforms 
to wear, I appeal to Your Excellency, joining my request 
to that of General Escario which I trust may be granted, 
especially as the hazards of war should not be made to 
bear needlessly on those in misfortune. 

General Escario tells me he spoke with you about 
the manner of carrying this out, for which reason I 
beg you will inform me when the proper time has ar- 
rived for same. 

Yours etc., 

Jose Toral. 



A LIBERAL POLICY WITH TORAL 351 

Headquarters Cavalry Division, 
Camp Hamilton near Santiago, July 20, 1898. 
Major General Wm. R. Shafter, 
Commanding U. S. Forces : 
Dear General : The command is improving, but we 
need cooking utensils so as to re-establish the Company 
messes. The Red Cross has offered us oatmeal and 
various delicacies if we can get wagons to transport 
them. This would give the men a change of diet, and 
would put them all in tine fix in a very short time. I 
hope that wagons can be furnished for this work. 
Respectfully, 

Joseph Wheeler, 
Maj. General U. S. Vols. Commdg. 



Headquarters Cavalry Division, 
Camp Hamilton, near Santiago, July 20, 1898. 

General Wm. R. Shafter, 

Commanding U.S. Forces: 
Dear General : I received a letter from General 
Toral yesterday which I have had translated and send 
you the translation. I presume he has sent the same 
letter to General Lawton and Lieutenant Miley. I 
thought this matter had been arranged in the way that 
the letter of General Toral requests, and I was glad to 
hear so, because I think in these little matters a great 
Government like ours ought to be very liberal, and I 
think being liberal with these people about personal 
matters will have the effect to encourage other Spanish 
soldiers in giving the thing up and getting the same 

terms. 

Respectfully, 

Joseph Wheeler, 
Maj. Gen. U.S. Vols. Commdg. 



352 THE SANTIAGO CAMPAIGN 

Headquarters Cavalry Division, 

Santiago, Cuba, July 20, 1898. 
To His Excellency Lieutenant General Linares : 
Dear General : It was my desire to have called 
upon you on July 17th, the same day that I was in the 
City, but my duties there were of an official character 
and all my time was occupied and after 12 o'clock we 
marched out together. It was my special desire to call 
upon you personally and express my appreciation of the 
courage and fortitude displayed by yourself and your 
Army. 

Should I be able to visit the city of Santiago again 
soon, which I trust will be the case, I shall do myself the 
honor to personally call upon you. 

With great respect, 

Joseph Wheeler. 



Headquarters Cavalry Division, 

Santiago, Cuba, July 20, 1898. 

To His Excellency Major General Jose Toral : 
Dear General : I received your letter last night 
and had it translated, and sent a copy to General 
Shafter, together with a letter of my own to the Com- 
manding General, a copy of which I enclose. 

I understood that the matter had been attended to as 
you desired ; if not I hope most earnestly it will be. 

I also enclose to you a copy of a communication 
which General Lawton, Lieutenant Miley and myself 
sent to our Government. 

I hope that you are quite well. 

With very high regards, 

Yours with respect, 
Josetii Wheeler, Major General. 






HIS GRATITUDE EXPRESSED 353 

Army of the Island of Cuba, 4th Army Corps, 

July 21, 1898. 

His Excellency Senor General Wheeler, 
Chief of the Cavalry Division 

of the American Army : 
Excellent Senor : I answer your esteemed letter 
of yesterday and take note of your having forwarded 
to Senor General Shatter the petition of Senor General 
Escario relative to the shipping of the families and bag- 
gage of the officers of his columns. I also take note of 
Senor General Shafter's answer, of all of which I in- 
formed Senor General Escario. I feel deeply grateful 
for the good opinion which your Excellency, in common 
with Senors Lawton and Miley, hold of the Spanish 
soldier, and which has dictated the request you made 
to your government with reference to the return of the 
arms to us ; I therefore take pleasure in expressing my 
gratitude to your Excellency and the two above men- 
tioned generals. 

I remain, 
Your Excellency's most humble servant, 
q. s. m. c. (kissing your hand), 

Jose Toral. 

P.S. — The forces defending El Caney on the 1st inst. 
were composed of three companies of the " Constitu- 
tion " battalion, one troop of guerillas and local forces, 
making a total of a scant five hundred men. 



354: THE SANTIAGO CAMPAIGN 

Headquarters Cavalry Division, 

Santiago de Cuba, July 21, 1898. 

Major General Nelson A. Miles, 
Commanding the Army : 
Sir : My command is now on high ground and is 
improving. They were simply worn out by constant 
service and the rest they are now getting will soon re- 
store them. There is not a particle of infection of 
yellow fever in the command, and has not been. I 
think the Cavalry Division would be of great service in 
Porto Rico. 

With great respect, 
Your obedient servant, 

Joseph Wheeler, 
Maj. Gen. U.S. Vols., Commdg. 



CHAPTER XII 

RECOMMENDATIONS FOR GOOD CONDUCT FURTHER 

PRECAUTIONS FOR THE HEALTH OF TROOPS REPORT 

of inspection, cavalry division a letter in 

english from general escario preparing to 

re-embark final orders 

Headquarters Cavalry Division, 
Near Santiago de Cuba, July 23, 1898. 

To Colonel E. J. McClernand, 

Adjutant General 5th Army Corps: 

Sir : I received your letter instructing me to consoli- 
date all the recommendations commending Officers for 
good conduct in the battle of Las Guasimas on June 
24th, in the battle of San Juan on July 1st, and in sub- 
sequent operations. I therefore transmit herewith the 
recommendations referred to. 

I also respectfully recommend, for the consideration 
of the Government, the following Officers who served 
upon my staff: 

Major William D. Beach did distinguished service in 
the battle of Las Guasimas on June 24th and in opera- 
tion before San Juan. 

Lieutenant Colonel Dorst, Adjutant General of 
the Cavalry Division, Major E. A. Garlington, 
Captain Joseph P. Dickman, 1st Lieutenant Mat- 
thew W. Steele, 2nd Lieutenant James H. Reeves, and 
2nd Lieutenant Joseph Wheeler Jr., were all distin- 



356 THE SANTIAGO CAMPAIGN 

guished in the battle of July lst and in subsequent 
operations. I recommend them for the consideration 
of the Government. 

In forwarding these recommendations I respectfully 
request a favorable endorsement from the Commanding 
General of the Forces in Cuba. 

I also desire to commend the good conduct of Cap- 
tain William Astor Chanler of the Volunteers and of 
Mr. Aurelius Mestre, Volunteer Aid, in the battle of 
July lst and in the operations round San Juan. 

I also desire to commend Captain P. W. West, who, 
although not actually in the engagements, has been 
efficient in the highest degree in performing the duties 
of Quartermaster of the Division and in assisting 
materially as Quartermaster of the Army. 
Respectfully, 

Jos. Wheeler, 
Maj. Gen. U.S. Vols. Commdg Cav. Div. 



Headquarters Cavalry Division, 
Near Santiago de Cuba, July 24, 1898. 

To Major General William R. Shafter, 
Commanding U.S. Forces: 
Sir : We find that the fresh meat which is sent daily 
for the use of this command is very much deteriorated 
owing to its exposure in the sun while en route. I 
write to ask whether it could not be arranged for the 
teams bringing these supplies to start very early in the 
morning, say at three or four oclock, as this would 
preserve the meat from injury and it would be much 
easier both on the teams and the men. 
Respectfully, 

Jos. Wheeler, 
Major General U.S. Vols. 



"WHERE IS GARCIA?" 357 

Headquarters Cavalry Division, 
Near Santiago de Cuba, July 24, 1898. 

To Major General Wm. R. Shafter, 
Commanding U.S. Forces: 
Sir : I understand that General Garcia is out with 
his whole command on the road to Holguin. I would 
like to know where he is ; and now that we have a few 
horses, would it not be well to send out an Officer with 
an escort to see General Garcia and learn the situation? 
While I do not think that the troops at Holguin will 
venture to come down, they might send a scouting 
party to bother us. Anyway we must watch them. 

Please give me any information you may have of 
Garcia, so that my Officer may find him easily. 
Very respectfully, 

Jos. Wheeler, 
Maj. Gen. U.S. Vols. 



Headquarters Cavalry Division, 

Santiago de Cuba, July 24, 1898. 

Major General Nelson A. Miles, 
Commanding the Army: 
Dear General : I am very glad to hear that you 
have started with the Porto Rican Expedition and that 
you are to command it. We still have some sickness, 
but it is a fever which is by no means of the character 
of yellow fever and not contagious at all. Our total 
sick list was 340 cases yesterday. Our command is 
isolated on the hills nearly 5 miles from Santiago, and 
there has been but one case sent from the whole Divi- 
sion that was regarded even w r ith suspicion as yellow 
fever. We could move to Porto Rico with 2200 or 
2300 men entirely free from disease or contagion of 



358 THE SANTIAGO CAMPAIGN 

any kind, and they would be very valuable to you. If 
you do not want to move the Cavalry Division imme- 
diately, I am certain that I could be very valuable to 
you with my staff, and should be very glad to serve 
you in any capacity whatever. 

Very respectfully, 

Your obedient servant, 

Joseph Wheeler. 



Headquarters Cavalry Division, 

Santiago de Cuba, July 25, 1898. 

To Colonel E. J. McClernand, 

Adjutant General Fifth Army Corps : 
Sir : I particularly request that five or six army 
physicians, five stewards and twelve hospital corps 
men, to be detailed for service with this Division as 
soon as practicable. Drs. Newgarden and Bailey are 
both sick and unable to do duty, and Dr. Havard, 
our Chief Surgeon, had been ordered away on other 
duty. This leaves us practically without medical 
officers, which is very undesirable, as we have among 
the troops a great deal of what we call " four or five 
day fever," which needs careful medical treatment to 
prevent relapses. 

I enclose a report of the Inspector-General of this 
command, in which these matters are alluded to. 
Very respectfully, 

Jos. Wheeler, 
Major General U.S. Vols. 



INSPECTION DETAILS 359 

Headquarters Cavalry Division, 
Santiago de Cuba, Camp Hamilton, July 24, 1898. 

Adjutant General Cavalry Division : 

Sir : I have the honor to submit the following report 
of an inspection of the Cavalry Division. 

The officers and soldiers are in urgent need of almost 
everything except arms and ammunition. The former 
can supply themselves when the transports are unloaded 
and their baggage is transported to camp, which is 
going on now. 

I have verbally already reported the condition of the 
enlisted men as to clothing and I understand requisitions 
are being prepared — they have no reserve supply on 
the transports and have only what they have on their 
backs. The articles most urgently needed are shoes, 
stockings, trousers, lightweight underwear, leggings 
and hats. On the first day of the fighting the men put 
aside their packs and in most cases lost them. Yester- 
day some fresh beef was issued to the Division — the 
first since leaving Tampa on the 13th of June. A more 
varied diet is urgently needed ; beans and rice even, 
owing to limited transportation, having not been regu- 
larly issued, and since leaving transports the command 
has been living on hard-tack, bacon, sugar and coffee. 

It has been and is now extremely difficult to get any 
officers' stores, and such as have been gotten have been 
in very limited quantities. In this climate, with so many 
enervated men, canned fruits, oatmeal, &c. should be 
added to the ration irrespective of cost. The commis- 
sary should also have meat extracts for sale. 

As already known from other sources, this inspection 
discloses a very large sick list. The surgeons report 
about ninety per cent, as malarial fevers, rest ordinary 
camp disease — no serious cases ; but the men uniformly 



360 THE SANTIAGO CAMPAIGN 

appear weak, enervated, tired — need as near absolute 
rest as possible, and change to a cooling, nourishing 
diet. 

The Chief Surgeon reports the hospital medicines 
limited in variety. Five additional surgeons, five 
stewards, twelve hospital corps men and six hospital 
tents and flies are needed. In the first brigade the 
hospitals are consolidated under the supervision of Capt. 
Harris, Medical Department. On the 23d there were 
201 cases in hospital. There was no tentage except 
shelter tents ; no cooking utensils except two camp 
kettles and the meat ration can ; no food except straight 
rations. It is hard for sick men under such circum- 
stances. At this hospital there is not sufficient stimu- 
lants and calomel and soda tablets. The hospital is 
well located near a good spring. 

In the second brigade there are regimental hospitals. 
The 1st Cavalry has one conical wall tent, but is 
expecting supplies from Daiquiri ; this hospital is very 
much in need of a cook, who is absent in Daiquiri. 

In the 10th Cavalry there are three A tents and one 
wall fly. The surgeon in charge reported practically 
no medical supplies, needs one medical field-chest and 
one surgical field-chest; also acetate of potassium, 
chlorate of potassium and an apparatus for the exam- 
ination of urine. The 1st Vol. Cav. has a paulin. 
The surgeon reports that he requires 500 cubic centi- 
meters of Wasburg's tincture. The troops have been 
without cooking utensils, but are being gradually 
supplied as the transports are unloaded. The question 
of transportation is a very serious one, and if the num- 
ber of pack mules assigned to this Division cannot be 
increased from those now on the Island, and it is con- 
templated to keep the Division here for any length of 



INSPECTOR-GENERAL REGARDING REGIMEN 361 

time, at least two hundred and fifty mules, with proper 
number of civilian packers, should be shipped from the 
United States at once. As the matter now stands only- 
one day's supplies can be furnished, without taking into 
consideration any change of camp, stores or anything 
that would interrupt the ration supply. 

The most important questions now to be considered 
are a nutritious diet suited to building up constitutions 
weakened by battle, fever, and exposure ; rest for the 
command ; proper shelter from the rain and sun ; suit- 
able clothing, and sufficient transportation. The 
matter of supplying officers' stores, including mineral 
water, should be adjusted as soon as possible and the 
Division Commissary be furnished such articles for 
sale. 

None of the regiments, except the 1st Vol. Cav., 
which has one wagon, has any transportation. 
Very respectfully, 

E. A. Garlington, 
Major, Insp. -General Cavalry Division. 



Headquarters Cavalry Division, 
Near Santiago de Cuba, July 24, 1898. 
To Major General Wm. R. Shafter, 
Commanding U.S. Forces: 
Dear General : I have just received your message 
through my daughter. I would feel terribly mortified to 
go back to the United States until the war is over, and 
feel certain that they will need you and all of us at 
Porto Rico ; but if we cannot go there I want to stay 
with my men who have fought so bravely. I could not 
bear to leave them here and go off to the United States. 
If we do not go to Porto Rico we certainly will be put 



362 THE SANTIAGO CAMPAIGN 

against some other enemy, and I am anxious to stay and 
fight under you anywhere I may be put. 

I am glad to say that the change in food and getting 
up tents has already had a good effect upon the health 
of the men. I beg that you will not order me to go to 
the United States, and I also beg that you will take good 
care of your own health. 

I thank you a thousand times for sending my 
daughter out this morning. I am in the very best of 
health and I am glad to say that my son, who was very 
sick yesterday, is now better. Every Officer of my 
Staff who is with me has now been through his attack of 
fever except Mr. Mestre, who is a native Cuban and 
acclimated. 

The Cavalry Division will be ready for any kind of 
service when called upon. 

With very high regards, 

Your obedient servant and friend, 

Joseph Wheeler. 



Headquarters Cavalry Division, 

Santiago de Cuba, July 25, 1898. 

To Hon. Secretary of War, 
Washington, D.C. : 

Sir : We are laboring under great difficulties on 
account of the very few officers we have on duty. To 
illustrate, the 10th Cavalry went into action on July 
1st with 19 Officers ; two of these Officers, Lieutenant 
William E. Shipp and Lieutenant William H. Smith, 
were killed and nine Officers were wounded, leaving 
but eight Officers on duty with the Regiment. 

The 1st Regiment is now commanded by Lieutenant 
Colonel Charles D. Viele, the 3d by Major Henry 



"PROMOTE THE SENIOR CAPTAINS" 363 

Jackson, the 6th by Major Thomas C. Lebe, the 9th 
by Captain E. B. Dimniick, and the 10th by Major 
S. T. Norvell. 

This deficiency of Officers would be in a measure 
relieved by retiring a number of Field Officers who 
have not done duty in this campaign, who are really 
unfit for duty and who ought to be retired. This 
would promote the senior Captains who have been dis- 
tinguished for gallantry, fortitude and endurance in 
this campaign. 

I urgently request that early action be taken in this 
matter. 

Very respectfully, 

Joseph Wheeler, 
Major General U.S. Volunteers. 



Camamento Eio San Juan, 

27 Julio, 1898. 

Ecmo. Sr. Mayor General Joseph Wheeler: 

My dear Sir and of my most distinguished 
consideration : In answer to yours of yesterday in 
which you asked me for several dates relative to the 
march of the columns under my orders, I have the 
pleasure of participating to you that I left Manzanillo 
in the afternoon of the 2 2d of last June at the head of 
five battallions of Infantry of the regular army, one 
section of Mountain Artillery (two pieces of 8 centime- 
tres) and a small group of Caballery irregular ; with 
which columns I arrived in Santiago de Cuba on the 3d 
of this month, having sustained on the march several 
combats with the insurrects, of which the important 
one was that of the 1st of July in the hill of Aguacate ; 



364 THE SANTIAGO CAMPAIGN 

this combat occasioned me 27 dead and 67 wounded 
that I left on my pass in the hospital of Palma Soriano. 

At the same time that I give these dates to you, I 
have the honor of manifesting that I should like to see 
very much that you would kindly give me on your part 
the following : — 

Number of the American forces that attacked the 
positions of Sevilla the 24th of June, number of which 
attacked the hill of San Juan and the place of "El 
Canev "' on the 1st of July. Number of which did the 
same with the Plaza of Santiago de Cuba on the 2d. 

And the last the number of cannons that the Ameri- 
can army placed against the city of Santiago de Cuba 
the following days to the 3d of the inst. 
With the anticipated thanks, 

Remains yours very truly, 

Federico Escario. 



Headquarters Cavalry Division, 

Santiago de Cuba, July 31, 1898. 
To Major General Nelson A. Miles, 
Commanding the Army : 
Dear General : The Cavalry Division having now 
been isolated for ten days, I am in a position to deny 
the rumors that have been current as to the existence 
of yellow fever among us. 

I am sure a short sea trip would put the men in this 
command in excellent health, and we feel that we could 
be of very great service to you in Porto Rico. 
With great respect, 

Your obedient servant and friend, 

Joseph Wheeler, 
Major General U.S. Vols. 



URGING VOYAGE TO PORTO RICO 365 

Headquarters Cavalry Division, 

Santiago de Cuba, August 1, 1898. 

To Major General Nelson A. Miles, 
Commanding the Army : 
Dear General : I am glad to say that the Cavalry 
Division is improving in health. 

I believe that a sea voyage to Porto Rico would 
put the Division in good order for service. I am con- 
fident the Division would be of great value to you. 

The surgeons assure me there is not and has not been 
any cases of yellow fever in the Command. If for any 
reason you should not deem it advisable to order the 
Cavalry Division to Porto Rico, I am confident I could 
be of service to you and I would be more than delighted 
to be in the campaign under your command. 
With great respect, 

Your obedient servant, 

Joseph Wheeler, 
Major General U.S. Vols. 



Headquarters 5th Army Corps, 

Aug. 6, 1898. 

General Wheeler : Send in the regiment that is 
nearest 500 strong. Do not exceed 550 in the first de- 
tachment. 500 will do better. Use your wagons to 
brins: sick and convalescent to Cavitas. 

The men set aside by the doctor as suspicious cases 
must be left and cared for by you. Bring only ammuni- 
tion in belts. Leave the rest piled up. The train will 
be at Cavitas early this afternoon. The exact hour will 

be telephoned as soon as known. 

W. R. Shafter. 



366 THE SANTIAGO CAMPAIGN 

[Endorsement :] 

Official Copy respectfully furnished to Commanding 
General 1st Cavalry Brigade, for his information and 
guidance. 

By command of Maj. Gen. Wheeler, 

J. H. Dorst, 
Assistant Adjt General. 



Headquarters Cavalry Division, 

Aug. 6, 1898. 
Commanding General 1st Cavalry Brigade: 

Sir : The Commanding General desires that you 
have five hundred and fifty men at Cavitas at one- 
thirty p.m. to-day. 

Please send me word how many Officers and men 
will march with the 3d and 6th Cavalry. 
Respectfully, 

Jos. Wheeler, 
Major General U.S. Vols. Commanding. 



Headquarters 5th Army Corps, 

Santiago, Aug. 6, 1898. 

To Gen. Wheeler : A train sufficient to carry 550 
men will be at Cavitas this afternoon at 1.30 p.m. 

J. D. Miley, 

A.D.Q. 



FORESTALLING INFECTION OF SHIPS 367 

Headquarters Cavalry Division, 

Aug. 6, 1898. 

Commanding General 2d Cavalry Brigade : 

Sir: The Commanding General directs that the 1st 
United States Cavalry and 1st United States Volunteer 
Cavalry be ready to join the ship to-morrow. 

Further information will be supplied later as to the 
time of the embarkation. 

Respectfully, 

Jos. Wheeler, 
Major General U.S. Vols. 



Headquarters Cavalry Division, 

Santiago de Cuba, Aug. 6, 1898. 

Commanding General Cavalry Brigade : 

Sir: The Commanding General directs that all 
tentage be left standing when the troops commence 
to move to the transports. 

He advises that just before the commands leave camp 
to embark on transports, that the men destroy their 
bedding, and as much as possible of their oldest cloth- 
ing that has been worn by them during the campaign, 
in order to reduce to a minimum the danger of infect- 
ing the ship. 

Very respectfully, 

Jos. Wheeler, 
Maj. Gen. U.S. Vols., Commanding Cavalry Division. 



Headquarters 5th Army Corps, 

Santiago, Aug. 7, 1898. 

Gen'l Wheeler : How many men to go in 1st Cav., 
Roosevelt's Regiment, 2d Battl. of 3d Cav. ? 

Shafter, Maj. Genl. 



368 THE SANTIAGO CAMPAIGN 

Headquarters oth Army Corps, 

Aug. 6, 1898. 

To Genl Wheeler : Genl Shafter asks how many 
men there are in the four regiments of your division 
ordered to embark first ; they will all go aboard to- 
morrow. 

J. D. Miley, 

A.D.C. 



Aug. 6, 1898. 
To Col. Dorst : 

Sir : Pursuant to General Wheeler's orders, the 
6th Cavalry will go first, and will be ready by noon 
and await telephone order. The 6th is the strongest 
numerically, reason it is selected. 
Strength 6 Cav., 391. 
3 Cav., 368. 

Very respect'y, 

S. S. Sumner, 

Bg. Gen. Vol. 

Headquarters 5th Army Corps, 

Santiago de Cuba, August 7, 1898. 

General Orders, > 
No. 32. 5 

Regiments about to go north will take with them 
only clothing and blankets ; all tents will be left stand- 
ing. 100 rounds of ammunition, in belts, will be 
taken ; all other is to be packed up and left in camp, 
where it can be gathered up by the Quartermaster's 
Department. The day before, or on the morning of, 
embarkation, careful examination will be made of each 
regiment, by a medical board, and any man whose case 
appears likely to develop yellow fever will be sent to 



CARE OF THE SICK ABOARD 369 

hospital. Notice will be given from day to day to each 
command as ships are ready to transport them. Eegi- 
mental officers will see that their commands are sup- 
plied with 10 days travel rations, to be drawn at the 
wharf when they go on board. The most careful 
attention must be given to details by every officer as to 
looking out that convalescents are properly cared for. 
By command of Major General Shafter, 

E. J. McClernand, 

Assistant Adjutant General. 







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